Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to reconsider plans for protests on June 12, calling instead for collective support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country begins to experience positive economic changes under his leadership.

The governor made the appeal on Sunday while speaking with journalists following the Sallah homage by Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members to Mr. President at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Addressing the calls for nationwide protests on Democracy Day, Sanwo-Olu questioned the rationale behind the planned demonstrations and appealed for patience and continued support for the federal government.

“We must ask: what’s the basis for the protest?” he said. “We are engaging with those concerned. The President has only been in office for two years, and the economy is already taking a positive turn. Let’s give him more time and continue to support him as we work toward long-term improvements in the cost of living and national security.”

Sanwo-Olu also used the opportunity to thank President Tinubu for his strategic support, especially in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal, which necessitated the expansion of public transportation infrastructure in Lagos.

The governor revealed that the state had just unveiled 12 newly acquired train coaches for the Lagos Blue Line Rail Project during a ceremony held at the National Arts Theatre. The additions—comprising four sets of three coaches each—are expected to significantly enhance intra-city transportation.

“At the unveiling, which we turned into a naming ceremony, we acknowledged and thanked Mr. President. He played a crucial role in making this happen about a year and a half ago,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “His intervention during the subsidy removal period was instrumental in helping Lagos strengthen its transport system.”

Sanwo-Olu noted that Nigerians are beginning to feel the impact of recent government reforms, citing a gradual reduction in petrol and food prices.

“These are things that put money directly into the pockets of our citizens,” he said. “If good work has been done, we should acknowledge and support it.”

He also addressed speculation regarding any internal rift between himself and President Tinubu, describing their relationship as solid and unwavering.

“The President was very happy to see us. He was pleased that we remain one big, united family—not divided in any way,” he said. “We reaffirmed our full loyalty to him, to his government, and to him as our leader and father. It was a unanimous pledge.”

Reacting to political gossip, Sanwo-Olu added: “There are always people who think they’re more Catholic than the Pope—those who cry louder than the bereaved. But the father-and-son relationship between myself and Mr. President remains intact. There is no issue at all.”

On preparations for the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos, the governor said President Tinubu had encouraged party members to give their best and work to maintain the ruling party’s dominance across the state.