Don’t Destroy Public Property, LASG Warns Protesters

Lagos State Government has cautioned against the use of text messages and various forms of social media networks to spread disinformation and falsehood capable of causing disaffection among the populace.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, in a statement, also warned against wilful damage of public property, noting that the constitutional right to express grievances through public protest should not be abused through unwarranted destruction of public infrastructure like street lights, flower beds, roads, houses, electric poles and traffic light provided with tax payers money and scarce resources.

“Burning of tyres on the roads can only destroy such roads, just as wilful damaging of street lights and lamp poles will result to darkness on the streets and roads, which will, in effect, give the criminally minded people the opportunity to torment the people at night. In the same way, destroying plants and flower beds can only affect our environment negatively. So, please desist from such anti-social behaviours,” the Commissioner said.

He regretted that some people have, in the past few days been orchestrating series of negative messages alleging that some ethnic, militant or religious groups were planning an attack on innocent citizens and assure the people that the state, as a melting pot of faiths, cultures and ethnic nationalities, remains a safe haven for all. He advised residents to resist the temptation to aid scare mongers or abet mischief makers through panicky reactions. The statement, explained that any message with potential to spread mischief, terror or cause panic or breach of peace should be deleted immediately, not forwarded.

According to the Commissioner, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) remains committed to the continued provision of essential infrastructure to make life meaningful for all who have chosen the Centre of Excellence as home. This determination, he said , should be complimented by all through peaceful co-existence, show of restraint and tolerance for one another irrespective of faith or ethnic origin.

Referring to the admonition of Governor Fashola while addressing some protesters at State House, Marina on Monday, the commissioner said if the current protest against the removal of fuel subsidy is essentially about the economic challenges facing the people, then the existing assets should be protected and not destroyed under the guise of protest.

While assuring all law abiding citizens of the continued protection of the government and law enforcement agencies, the statement warned that anyone caught destroying public property or employing the social media to spread disinformation or disaffection will be made to face the full wrath of the law.