Sanwo-Olu explains cancellation of planned peace walk in Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday revealed why he canceled the planned peace walk with some youths and stakeholders in solidarity with victims of police brutality in the state.

The Governor in a statement by the Ministry of Information on Thursday noted that his desire to continue with the planned peace walk has been constrained by the sudden surge in the new COVID-19 Variant Omicron cases in the state. He stated that he would not want to endanger the life of any Lagosian.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed gratitude to the youths and students who have declared their intention to participate in the peace walk with him.

Meanwhile, the planned peace walk was rejected by notable youths, particularly, those who participated in the #EndSARS protest in 2020. They had demanded that the governor first ensure justice to victims of police brutality before talking of peace walk. Some of the youths invited by the governor to participate in the peace walk were pessimistic about peace without justice. Invariably, the peace walk was subtly becoming unpopular, despite the publicity given to it. The legitimacy of the exercise was dwindling as the date was getting closer.

However, Governor Sanwo–Olu has made the point clear why the peace walk has to be canceled and might have taken the right decision, according to some stakeholders in the state.