Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has told market women in Dosumu Market, Lagos, to warn their children not to join the August 1 protest against economic hardship under his father’s watch.
“Say no to protest,” Mrs Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Lagos, declared, posting a video in which she spoke with market women, urging them to warn their children not to join the August 1 protests.
In the video, Mrs Tinubu-Ojo said, “Let’s talk to our children. There is nothing like protest in Lagos. Lagos government is doing us well.“The government at the centre (led by her father Mr Tinubu) just assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it last three years at least.”
Mrs Tinubu-Ojo lamented how EndSARS, a historic protest led by youth against years of extrajudicial killings and extortion by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police Force, turned violent, destroying properties when thugs attacked protesters and Nigerian soldiers opened fire on the demonstrators.
“Prevention is better than treatment. We will not suffer loss of lives. Let everyone warn her children,” Mrs Tinubu-Ojo warned.
The president’s daughter’s warning comes as another pro-Tinubu government pushback as citizens mobilise for nationwide demonstrations due to economic hardship worsened by soaring food prices.
Since the protest was announced, Mr Tinubu has met with leaders of religious groups, traditional rulers, governors, and security agencies.
After meeting with Mr Tinubu, religious leaders and monarchs joined in opposing the protests, while security agencies continued to arrest citizens supporting or organising such activities.