Fashola asks Jonathan to withdraw soldiers from Lagos streets

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Monday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to order the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from the streets of the state. In a televised broadcast to the people of the state, Fashola said there was no justification for government to have deployed soldiers against peaceful protesters. Fashola noted that the denunciation of the removal of fuel subsidy had gone on peacefully in the state. He said he made efforts to ensure matters did not get out hand but regretted that a resident, Ademola Aderintoa, was shot dead by a police office. Full text of Fashola’s speech: Dear Lagosians, For the past few days, I have monitored the developments related to the public protest against the increase in the pump price of petrol. During that period, I have at the invitation of my colleagues in the Governor’s Forum responded to an invitation from the Presidency. My role since last Monday till date has been to find a ground of compromise that stabilizes the polity, protects our democracy and prevent any loss of lives.

Inspite of these efforts, we were not wholly successful in preventing the loss of the life of a young Nigerian, Ademola Aderinto, who was sadly shot. I am truly saddened by that ugly development. While I condole with his family, I pledge the commitment of our Government to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice. I have decided to address you today in view of the very disquieting developments that occurred overnight especially the deployment of soldiers across Lagos. continued