The Lagos State Government has acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but warned against resorting to violence and destructive behaviour in the lead-up to the planned nationwide protests in August.

The Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin made the remarks during a meeting with local government secretaries on Tuesday.

“It is a legitimate right for citizens to protest, but people should be wary that it does not turn violent and destructive,” Salu-Hundeyin said. “Lagos State has done so much for its citizens that nobody in the state should stand up and say they are going to break anything.”

She added, “Sincerely, and I mean it; it is not because I am the Secretary of the State Government; I speak from my heart and God knows; there is no reason for anybody to cause any protests or riots or violence in Lagos State.