We Didn't Ask For The Deployment Of Soldiers - Lagos State Government

Lagos State Government has debunked the claim by Nigeria's military authorities that the deployment of soldiers on the streets of Lagos is at its request.

In a statement issued last night, the of Government dubbed the accusation as false and misleading.

"The State Government challenges the Military authorities to show proof of the request of troop deployment to the streets of Lagos State.

"Instead of simply taking the honourable path by apologizing to the people of Lagos for an unpopular act, they have resorted to offering spurious and bogus claims aimed at deceiving the people.

"That this claim is coming four days after the Governor's address, which he followed with a letter to the Presidency, is an obvious afterthought. It is also inconsistent with the explanation offered by the Minister of Defence who said that they deployed the soldiers in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

"This attempt to cover up has left the public with much confusion, as the Minister of Defence offered one reason and the Military authority has offered another. They should just take the honourable path by apologizing to the people of Lagos State and withdraw the soldiers forthwith.

"In the prevailing political dispensation, the administration of Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has always been in the vanguard of democratic principles as well as civility.

"In the light of the view of the Governor, it will be totally irrational to expect that the Governor would call on the Military to occupy the streets of Lagos.

"Also, it would be recalled that His Excellency went on air to denounce most vehemently the deployment of the soldiers in Lagos.
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