Lagos State Government Affirms Citizens' Right to Protest, Urges Caution.

Preceding the August countrywide protests, the Lagos State Government has stated that such protests are within the rights of citizens and that there is nothing wrong with them. The state government's secretary, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made this statement on Tuesday during a meeting with the secretaries of the local governments, or SLGs.

But she issued a warning to anyone planning to demonstrate to exercise prudence so that the demonstration does not degenerate into violence or destruction. She argues that although protests are a right, Lagos does not require them because the government is providing for the needs of its people.

She stated, “It is a legitimate right for citizens to protest, as there is nothing wrong with it, but people should be wary that it does not turn violent and destructive.

“Lagos State has done so much for its citizens that nobody in the state should stand up and say they are going to break anything. Sincerely, and I mean it; it is not because I am the Secretary of the State Government; I speak from my heart, and God knows there is no reason for anybody to cause any protests or riots or violence in Lagos State”.