POLITICAL NOTES
Since the #EndSARS episode, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has done everything humanly possible to assuage the youths by not only identifying with them but taking conscious steps to making sure what happened last year does not repeat itself and at the same time, leaving the panel of inquiry to do its job in collective interest.
For the record, he took part in the protest before it was hijacked. He had also engaged the youths at different times afterwards to pick their brains on the way forward, as well as seek closure to what had happened.
After all, apart from the Lekki tollgate incident, there were protests in other states with equally huge destructions and killings. The attitudes and approaches of the governors of those states are markedly different from Sanwo-Olu’s. Yes, Lagos was the epicentre of the protest, the governor has also lived up to billings.
What then is the basis for inciting the public against him? Posting his telephone numbers online and asking people to curse him? How easy is it to hide under pseudo names to terrorise others on the social media. These irreverent fellows didn’t end it with just Sanwo-Olu; they included his wife and child.
Even if these insensate fellows do not have anyone guiding them on public engagement, how bad is it that they can’t talk to themselves? You crave leadership and seek change to how things are done, yet, your choices are rather too poor for apprenticeship.
Excesses like these are why the youths are often seen in a different light when it comes decision-making. Anyone driven by emotions other than substance is dangerous to any cause. The mob mentality has never proffered solution to anything and of course, the tables would turn some day and no one needs any telling how your reign will turnout.
Joke all you like, do not take it too far. Sanwo-Olu cannot be drawn into any ludicrous pastime, oxygenated by sheer tokenism and unwieldy exuberance. He’s fatherly, kind, civil, cosmopolitan and shown understanding even in the most impossible situations. The office and person of the governor deserve some respect. Sanwo-Olu isn’t your butt of jokes. And please, cut him some slack.
