Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has told
protesters that their voices have been heard.
This follows the ongoing protest calling for an end to police
brutality and reform in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)/
The Governor said this on Monday while addressing the protesters
in Lekki where youths camped and blocked the expressway.
“Your voice has been heard clearly and a clear pronouncement has
been made on the activities of SARS,” the governor added.
“The operation has been dissolved by the police leadership and
just a moment ago, Mr. President addressed the nation on the issues
you have raised. The President has said all SARS officers that are
involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in human
rights abuses will be brought to justice.
He urged them to be peaceful while expressing their grievances
against the excessive use of force by SARS, telling them their
protest was legitimate.
The governor, however, pleaded with them not to block the roads
while passing on their grievances to the authorities.
Sanwo-Olu said he identified with the EndSARS campaigners,
noting that their agitations touched the essence of democratic
freedom.
He said citizens must never be denied the rights to protest, but
urged the protesters not to employ wrong methods to drive home
their message.
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“My stance on this EndSARS is unmistakable and I have told you
that we identify with this protest because you have legitimate
concerns,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
“I am saying it again here that this protest is in good faith.
But, we must not be unruly when going out on a protest like this.
We want you to be peaceful and decorous in expressing
yourselves.”
Sanwo-Olu said he spoke with the Inspector General of Police
(IGP), Muhammed Adamu, on Monday to outline the position of the
Lagos State Government on police reforms, adding that he will visit
President Buhari on Tuesday (tomorrow) and present the demands of
Lagos youths on the issues.
The Governor praised the courage of the protesters and urged
them not to block the key road.
The protesters were largely uncoordinated. They rebuffed pleas
to open the road and demanded the physical presence of President
Muhammadu Buhari.
Sanwo-Olu agreed with the demand of the protesters on reforms in
the operations of law enforcement agencies, adding that the State
Government would work with the police leadership on compensation
for the family members of victims of SARS brutality in Lagos.