A concerned socio-cultural group, The Lagos Omoluabis, TLO, on Monday, January 8, lamented the Nigerian Army’s negligence over the seeming disrespect of the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu by some of alleged personnels.
In particular, the group lamented that Sanwo-Olu has continued to suffer persistent attacks from the alleged military personnels since the arrest of a military operative that broke the Lagos traffic law for plying one way.
Making this position known in a press release from the association’s public relations officer (PRO), Mr. Bamidele Balogun, the group called on the leadership of the Nigerian Army to caution its personnels, if indeed they are personnels of the military, and take prompt and decisive intervention as demonstrated in the past.
The group also reiterated that it is public knowledge that the Governor remains the Chief Executive of the state and has worked with the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja since his assumption of office.
TLO further reminded that in October 2023, Sanwo-Olu had a productive discussion on the Army’s dedication and professionalism in maintaining peace and security across Nigeria.
During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu requested the Army’s cooperation in the clearing of illegal shanties on Lagos-Badagry Expressway and supporting ongoing enforcement efforts, including the Okada ban, hence, TLO wondered why the governor has now become a subject of ridicule by alleged military personnel maligning him on social media and other platforms.
The statement read in part: “We are saddened that the leadership of the Nigerian Army has turned a deaf ear to the nefarious activities of some of its alleged personnels, who have been maligning and embarrassing the Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu after arresting a soldier riding an Okada through a one way road in Lagos.
“We wish to appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja to make a decisive military action and make a scapegoat out of these erring alleged personnels, if indeed they are military officers so as to serve as deterrence from future occurrences.”