Few days ago, the social media was hit with reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu doled out N450 million to tertiary institutions in the state to woo them to join the anticipated Walk for Peace.

The unverified report was first published by one of the popular online platforms. After that, the blogs and other unpopular news platforms feasted on it.

It claimed that sources in government had it that the governor released N450 million for the Peace Walk and that the walk was scheduled to hold on Monday December 6, 2021.

Genesis of the Walk for Peace

Sanwo-Olu had in a statewide broadcast the same day the White Paper on the Judicial Panel of Inquiry was released called for a Peace Walk to heal the wounds inflicted on the State by the EndSARS protest of October 20, 2020, which culminated in the disputed Lekki Tollgate shooting. He invited Falz, Mr. Macaroni, Seun Kuti and others for a Peace Walk on a yet to be announced date in December 2021.

“In December, I will be leading A WALK FOR PEACE to herald the healing of our land. Let me use this occasion to extend an open invitation to our youths, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students and the media as well as other stakeholders to join me,” he said.

Mr. Macaroni, Falz and Seun Kuti turned down the governor’s request for a Peace Walk. The walk has generated lots of mixed feelings as many youths pledged to walk with the governor. The Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG) first came up to say they would walk with the governor.

Sanwo-Olu in LASU

The governor went to LASU to unveil a new students arcade and used the opportunity to address the students to partner with government to move the state forward. The governor was welcomed by the Students Union Government, SUG President, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus; Speaker of the Students Union Representatives, Mustapha Adejuwon, and hundreds of students.

Badmus, in his remarks said “To Mr Governor, Sir, it is what you signed up for but we are indebted to you. Be rest assured, whenever you walk, we will walk with you. We will be by your side. Whenever you run, we will run with you to the end.”

Verdict

At no point did the governor promise to release N450 million to the students in LASU and others to walk with him. In fact, no date has been fixed for the walk yet.

The online report claimed that it got its clue from a government source. It said the government source also said the walk would take place on Monday, December 6. How can a walk, which date has not been fixed take place on the day claimed in the report. 

Ostensibly, that day has passed with no walk in sight. As at today, it is not yet certain if the walk will go ahead.

How then could N450 million have been released for an uncertain walk with no date ? It means the report is not true, unverified and fake.

Moreover, sources in government have punctured the report and dubbed it figment of the purveyors imagination.