The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wishes to lend its voice to the appeal of several well-meaning Nigerians, calling for peace in our land at this critical juncture in our history. We recognize that peaceful protests are a vital component of democratic governance, yet the inevitable violence and loss of lives and property that often follow are profoundly undesirable.
In recent days, we have observed with keen interest, particularly on social media, the mobilization for protests marked by bitterness, hate speech, hostility, divisiveness, and threats against citizens holding contrary opinions. The mass destruction of public and private assets during the EndSARS protests, which began as a harmless demonstration, remains fresh in our memory. The loss of targeted critical infrastructure across various sectors set our dear state back by decades and cost billions.
We urge the government at the federal, state, and local levels to remain sensitive, attentive, receptive, and responsible to the yearnings of our teeming population, especially the youth. It is essential to continue engendering confidence and upholding the government's constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens. We are not unmindful of the political undertones, with the otherwise moribund opposition fanning the embers of violence to soothe their bruised egos after losing the last national elections.
We take solace in the assurance that patriotic Nigerians will not be deceived into avoidable carnage by individuals with ulterior motives. We also appeal to the security agencies to uphold the highest professional standards to prevent any unpleasant developments. As a party, we are duty-bound to fulfill our part of the social contract with the citizens who have graciously entrusted us with their mandate.
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