Lagos State Governor Cancels Controversial Walk for Peace

The Governor of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu, cancels his proposed peace walk. The peace walk idea was announced on the 30th of November and it was controversial from the jump. It was not a welcome idea and people were vocal about their displeasure.

Ace content creator, Mr Macaroni had publicly rejected the offer to join the walk. His public rejection of the offer was lauded by the public. Frankly, since the EndSARS protests, public opinion has not been in favour of the Lagos State Government.

In addition, justice was yet to be achieved for all who reportedly lost their lives during the EndSARS protest. Also, people were crossed since nothing tangible had been done after the panel set up to analyze what happened during the protest gave their report. Consequently, public opinion did not align with the idea of a peace walk.

Finally, the Lagos State Governor has decided to cancel the peace walk. The reason for the cancellation is the confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.

Below is the full statement issued by the Lagos State Governor:

Statement Issued by the Lagos State Government

“Since my last address to you, the good people of Lagos State on Tuesday 30, November 2021, during which I expressed a desire to lead a Walk for Peace, following the outcome of the work of the Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters, I have been inundated with deep expressions of solidarity from various groups and people declaring their readiness to join me on the symbolic walk.

”Indeed, I owe a special debt of gratitude to our youths and students, who reached out to either member of my team or directly to me, expressing their readiness to join me on the planned Walk for Peace. They include many of our Civil Society Leaders, business leaders within and outside of Corporate Lagos, religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Community, entertainers, Market Associations, Trade Associations and Women Groups who have committed time and resources to prepare for the Peace Walk. I thank you all.

”When the unseen enemy called Covid-19 began to ravage the world and indeed our nation, I assumed the role of the Incident Commander in our quest to protect the lives of our people. We subjected ourselves to the dictates of science.

”We chose to be guided not by our emotions, but expert opinions rooted in science. Between Tuesday 30, November 2021 that I made my address and now, we have seen a significant rise in cases associated with the Omicron variant of this pandemic.

“Given this development, I am constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace. I will not endanger the life of any Lagosian in my sincere search for peace. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the initiative received from far and near. The deluge of support is, however, indicative of one thing: our people know the strategic place of peace to our quest for development.

”I look forward to engaging with you as WE TOGETHER WORK FOR PEACE!”

Also Read: New Cases of the Omicron Variant in Nigeria