Social commentator Reno Omokri has called on the Lagos State government to support potential protesters by providing them with free transportation back to their states of origin.
Omokri’s suggestion is aimed at residents from states such as Abia, where government workers and pensioners face unpaid salaries and other challenges.
Omokri’s statement highlighted the irony of individuals fleeing their home states due to various issues, such as unpaid wages, insecurity caused by unknown gunmen, and low wages, only to settle in Lagos, a state known for its relative peace, prosperity, and timely payment of salaries above the minimum wage.
He questioned the rationale behind these residents wanting to protest in Lagos instead of addressing the issues in their own states.
“How can you be from Abia, where the State Government is owing workers several months’ salaries and pensioners, and you want to protest in Lagos that pays its workers above minimum wage and does not owe salaries?” Omokri asked. He pointed out that factors like the Monday sit-at-home orders and insecurity had driven these individuals to Lagos, where they have now found stability.
Omokri further asserted that it is unreasonable for these residents to seek to destabilize Lagos through protests, while they did not or could not challenge the governance in their home states. He emphasized that unless their state governments have provided the same level of governance and benefits as Lagos, the protests should be directed back to their states of origin.
“Except your State Government has done what Lagos has not done for you, you should go there and protest,” Omokri concluded.
Omokri’s comments have sparked a debate on social media, with some agreeing with his stance and others criticizing it as an attempt to silence legitimate grievances.
