Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged citizens planning nationwide protests, urging them to tread with caution while they exercise their constitutional rights to freely express their grievances.

Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledges their rights to air their concerns about socio-economic situation in the country, but said the Government remained open to dialogue to resolve the citizens’ complaints.

Sanwo-Olu advised those aggrieved to refrain from divisive utterances and actions that may threaten the safety and peace in the country, noting that those issuing threats had ulterior intentions which border on breakdown of law and order.

The Governor spoke while receiving a courtesy visit, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets and Special Duties led by its Chairman, Ademorin Kuye.

The governor, however, acknowledged their rights to air their concerns about the socio-economic situation in the country but urged the aggrieved to refrain from divisive utterances and actions that may threaten the safety and peace in the country, noting that those issuing threats had ulterior intentions which border on the breakdown of law and order.

“We are at a point in the country where there have been agitations and people planning nationwide protests. We all understand what the constitution says as regards the rights of citizens showing sincere concerns.

“As leaders, we believe it is important to appreciate those concerns, but it is equally important that those who want to protest show sincerity about their actions, by ensuring that they do not turn the protests into political agenda. All sorts of utterances and rhetoric we hear should not be tolerated. We don’t need all of these.

“The country has been set on a new trajectory by the current administration, which is less than 15 months old. The government has what it takes to turn around the fortunes of this country economically.

“We are using any means of engagement to explain to our citizens that, while they are free to express their grievances and call for better service, it is important that they know too well that the government is already listening to their grievances,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

“There will be nothing that will be taken away from the table of engagement. Any form of grievance must end up on the table.

Earlier, Kuye had commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for the giant strides in transportation, education, health and other sectors in Lagos State.