Lagos attack: South-west governors suspect coordinated attempt to weaken region’s economy

GOVERNORS of South-west states have expressed shock at the wanton destruction that characterised the #EndSARS “protests” in Lagos State.

The governors said the magnitude of vandalisation of assets witnessed in the commercial capital of Nigeria shows there may be more to the destruction than the agitation for an end to police brutality.

Governor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, stated this after an assessment tour of Lagos on Sunday.

He described the vandalisation of assets in Lagos as a “coordinated attempt” to weaken economy of the region.

According to a statement by spokesman to the Lagos governor, Gboyega Akosile, Akeredolu likened the Lagos to a war zone, stating that the extent of destruction was shocking.

The governors condemned the widespread violence, adding that there appeared to be an agenda beyond the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

“We are deeply concerned with the ease with which public buildings, utilities, police stations and investment of our people have been burnt despite the proximity of security agencies in those areas. The development leaves us with no other option than to believe that there may be other reasons for continued protests, well-coordinated and funded,” Akeredolu was quoted as saying.

Akeredolu continued, “We are particularly worried that 48 hours after the unfortunate incident at the Lekki Toll Gate by persons adorning military outfit, there has been no definitive statement from the military authorities on the incident. Our anxiety becomes heightened by the categorical denial of the Governor of Lagos State concerning the military deployment. No Governor has powers to authorise deployment of military personnel in Nigeria.”

Also present during the solidarity visit to Sanwo-Olu were ministers from the South-west serving in the Buhari administration, including former governor of Lagos, and now Minister for Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Minister for Trade and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Minister for Mines and Steel, Olamilekan Adegbite.