The Lagos State Government has clarified its position regarding the rumoured Oro festival scheduled for August 1 to 15, which coincides with the planned #EndBadGovernance protest. The government compared the festival to other religious activities held across the country and emphasized its neutrality.
Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated in a conversation with PUNCH Online that the government does not interfere with religious activities, including the Oro festival. He asserted that traditional worshippers have the right to conduct their lawful exercises, similar to Muslims and Christians.
“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities," Akosile said. "The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?”
Akosile also highlighted that the government will not tolerate disruptions to business activities or the peace of the state, referencing the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which resulted in significant property damage and loss of life.
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The planned protests against economic hardship are gaining momentum on social media and are set to take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, starting August 1.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed for the protests to be called off, urging patience from the public. Through Information Minister Mohammed Idris, Tinubu assured that the government is working on addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris conveyed.
However, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has expressed support for the protests. In a statement, Atiku criticized the Tinubu administration for attempting to suppress the protesters, arguing that the widespread hunger, anger, and hopelessness are a result of the government's incompetence.
Atiku stated, “Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are affected by the hunger, anger, and hopelessness caused by the government’s incompetence and cluelessness.”
