Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to youths protesting police brutality and extortion in the state to suspend their protest for 2
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to youths protesting police brutality and extortion in the state to suspend their protest for 24 hours. This is as the governor said he identified with the ongoing protests against the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The Governor addressed the protesters in Lekki where crowds of youths blocked the expressway. He urged them to be decorous and peaceful while expressing their grievances against the excessive use of force by SARS. The governor told the demonstrators that their protest was legitimate, but pleaded with them not to block the roads.
Sanwo-Olu said he spoke with the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, on Monday to outline the position of the Lagos State Government on police reforms, adding that he will visit President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday (tomorrow) to present the demands of Lagos youths on the issues.
He said, “I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at the highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount. I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.
“The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the Commissioner of Police, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides. Tomorrow, I will be meeting with the President.
“Your voice has been heard clearly and a clear pronouncement has been made on the activities of SARS. 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.
“My stance on this #EndSARS is unmistakable and I have told you that we identify with this protest because you have legitimate concerns. 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.”
The protesters rebuffed pleas to open the road and demanded the physical presence of the President.
