The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has commended protesters in the state for their peaceful conduct in the nationwide protest against economic hardship.
Obasa’s commendation came on Friday, Day Two of the protest, in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that protesters gathered in different parts of the country on Thursday to demand government action to check the high cost of living and attendant economic hardship.
The protests began despite appeals by the government to the organisers to shelve the demonstrations.
Reacting to the protest, the speaker observed that the protesters in Lagos mostly carried out their actions in accordance with the law, allowing residents go about their activities in peace.
He said: “The conduct of protesters in the state since the nationwide protest began on Thursday is worthy of emulation.
“While several residents heeded the voice of reason and stayed away, those who decided to publicly express their grievances did so within the confines of the law.
“These grievances have been noted and I am convinced that the state and federal governments are not folding their arms in relation to making Lagos and Nigeria greater than we are currently witnessing.
“President Bola Tinubu is championing policies that ultimately have the tendency to move Nigeria to the level we all anticipate.
“In the meantime, he has taken steps to mitigate the challenges of food shortage upon which the protest is hinged.
“In Lagos, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the support of the House of Assembly under my speakership, has provided roadmaps for more developments aside sustaining standards.”
Obasa noted that Sanwo-Olu’s administration had continued to implement strategies to reduce hunger.
He said it had done so, especially with the Sunday Markets where there was a 25 per cent discount on all major food items, which would soon be revived.
The speaker stated that the state government had made further promises to continue extending the dividends of democracy to residents.
Obasa noted that the Medical Outreach programme through which many residents had been enjoying free treatments, the free delivery for pregnant women, were some other actions the government embarked on.
He assured residents that the House would collaborate with the executive arm to ensure that residents kept enjoying the administration.
The speaker said that the legislative arm would continue to give hope to the people of Lagos.
Obasa thanked law enforcement agents for conducting themselves professionally in the maintenance of law and order.
The speaker also praised religious leaders, traditional and community heads, development and related associations, market leaders and artisans for their understanding
He thanked them for giving support to the government. (NA