Protest:  Lekki residents frown at violence, urge strategic actions

As socio-economic activities gradually resume in Lagos, some residents of Lekki are advocating for public enlightenment on peaceful protests and strategic actions to achieve desired goals. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lekki Phase 1 and other parts of Lagos have remained peaceful amidst the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. No protests were recorded in Lekki Phase 1 on Thursday, and the situation remained the same as of Friday. 

The ongoing protest, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to last for 10 days to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the economic hardships facing Nigerians. 

Some residents commended security personnel for maintaining peace in the area. Mr. George Ikenna, a resident, mentioned that the residents’ association provided additional security measures. 

“We were assured of security by the leadership of the residents’ association. Security operatives displayed maturity. We applaud the police and hope they will continue their good work; we need peace in the nation,” he said. 

Another resident, Mrs. Petra Nnaji, emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful protests, noting that there was no justification for chaos. 

“Protesters should be enlightened on how to conduct protests to achieve their aims and objectives. Let us hope our leaders will address the issues being raised so that we can maintain peace in the country,” she said. 

Anya, the Program Manager of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, stated that proper skills should have prevented Thursday’s protest from escalating into violence in some parts of Nigeria. He warned that if not well managed, a protest could start peacefully but turn violent. 

He attributed the violence to the activities of hoodlums and the poor handling by security agents. He appealed to the Federal Government to do more to alleviate the hardships in Nigeria. 

“I also wish to appeal to citizens engaged in the protest to desist from destruction and looting,” Anya said. 

Mr. Francis Ojo, a business owner, noted that many Nigerians lack an understanding of peaceful protests and stressed the need for enlightenment. 

“Protests over the years have not achieved much. It shows the need for people to be more strategic. We need to find other means of engaging our leaders to achieve a lot more,” he said. 

He urged Nigerians to unite with one voice against violent protests and to educate themselves on the best ways to address the situations affecting them. (NAN)