The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condemned the attack by hoodlums on a bus conveying journalists in the convoy of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Lagos Island while journalists followed the governor’s convoy from the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, who received Tinubu at his palace.
According to a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Monday, the governor directed that the hoodlums be fished out and prosecuted.
The statement read, “Lagos State Government condemns the incident. We hold the media in high esteem and the government has always ensured that they have a conducive environment to perform their duties. Nobody or group will be allowed to destroy our cordial relationship with the media, Lagos has no room for hooligans.
Those involved must be fished out and made to face the law. Besides, the government will pick up the hospital bills of those injured in the incident.”
Sanwo-Olu, in the company of his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, and other aides also paid an unscheduled visit to the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre at the state’s secretariat in Alausa, to empathise with the members of the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents.
He condemned the attack and urged the journalists not to be deterred by the hazards of their job.
“Your job is risky, very risky but don’t be deterred by the hazards of the job. You must have the courage to persevere,” he stated.