Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila
Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has called for a quick and thorough investigation to determine the facts of Tuesday night event where men in army uniform shot at unarmed peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll gate in Lagos. what happened last night in Lagos.
The speaker, who in the days preceding what many now call the “Lekki toll mssacre” made attempt to resolve the issue of police brutality through legislation, affirmed that: “It is unavoidably and painfully clear that there were a number of casualties as a result of gunfire at the Lekki Toll Gate*.
“Events in my home state Lagos, last night and up until this afternoon, have left my heart heavy and my spirit disturbed.
“After sixty years, our democracy should have grown beyond the point where conflicting visions of nationhood result in violence on the streets and blood on the ground”, the Speaker said.
In his statement, Gbajabiamila urged for calm whilst a truer picture of events is unraveled.
“Our nation urgently needs and the Nigerian people deserve an accounting of the acts that led to the events of last night.
File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting and Unveils Nigeria at 60th Anniversary Logo in State House on 16th Sep 2020
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his commitment to extensive Police reforms should never be in doubt, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina stated in a statement on Wednesday.
The presidency spokesman stated that the President had in September 2020 signed the new Nigeria Police Act, the first comprehensive revision of the Police Act in decades.
“At the last count, no fewer than 13 States have gone ahead to establish the Judicial Panels of Inquiry as resolved by the National Economic Council to address the question of redress and justice for victims of police brutality across the country.
“The States that have set up the panels so far are: Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Plateau, Edo, Nasarawa, Ondo and Akwa Ibom.
Adesina said: “President Muhammadu Buhari welcomes the promptness of these necessary subnational actions, and reaffirms his commitment to supporting the State Governments to ensure that justice is achieved for all victims of police brutality in Nigeria.
“Under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Economic Council (NEC) at its meeting on Thursday October 15, 2020 resolved to establish State-level Judicial Panels of Inquiry, to investigate allegations of Police brutality and ensure that all erring personnel are brought to justice”, he said.
President Buhari in June 2019, was said to have signed a Bill establishing the Police Trust Fund, to mobilize additional funding for the welfare and equipping of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Accrual of funding into the Fund, as specified in its enabling Act, has commenced.
“President Buhari in 2018 approved an increase in Police salaries and the Police personnel budget has seen a rise from 288 billion Naira in the 2018 Budget to 417 billion Naira in the proposed 2021 budget; an increase of 45 per cent” the presidency spokesman said.
On pension matters for the police, Adesina explained that on Tuesday, at the commissioning of the Nigerian Police Pension Fund Limited building, the President reiterated continuous support for both serving and retired police personnel.
Equally, the rollout and funding of a new Community Policing Initiative was approved as part of a larger programme of police reform in Nigeria, aimed at rewriting the rules of engagement between the Force and citizens, Adesina stated.
“As President Buhari declared, the immediate dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), is the first step in a set of reform policies that will deliver a Police system accountable to the Nigerian people. The President has also approved full implementation of the report of the 2018-2019 Presidential Panel on Police Reform.
“Indeed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Police Service Commission (PSC) have now commenced the implementation of the Report.
Reiterating the commitment of the President Buhari administration to the implementation of lasting Police reforms in Nigeria, Adesina appealed for understanding and calm across the nation, as the implementation of the reforms gathers pace at Federal and State levels.
File photo: Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu joins EndSARS protesters, demanding police reform and end to brutality at the Lekki toll gate, Lagos, Nigeria.
On the night of Tuesday, October 20, 2020, barely a month that the world’s most populous black nation celebrated its 60th independence anniversary, men believed to be officers of the Nigerian Army were alleged to have shot at unarmed peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll gate area of Lagos State, Nigeria, where not less than 70 people have been reported to have died and several other badly injured.
The protesters at the Lekki Toll gate, agitating for a comprehensive reform of the police as a result of human rights abuse in form of extra-judicial killings, harrasement and unlawful arrests, had stood their grounds and defied the curfew imposed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the basis that the Nigerian constitution guarantees their right to peaceful gathering and protest.
However, amidst international cries demanding that the President Muhammadu Buhari controlled Nigerian army cease shooting at unarmed peaceful protesters, the authorities in the army have denied being involved in what many now call the Lekki Toll massacre.
According to previous reports by Echotitbits, the Nigerian army debunked insinuations that it deployed forces across the country to quell the #EndSARS protest under the guise of “operation Crocodile Smile”.
A screengrab of the Lekki Toll gate scene where men in army uniform confronted unarmed peaceful protesters with live ammunition.
In a series of tweets, the army headquarters described the allegations as “fake news”.
On Tuesday morning, unconfirmed reports trended on social media alleging that uniformed men stormed healthcare facilities where some protesters who got injured were being treated.
Cross section of unarmed peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll gate hours before men believed to be Nigerian forces unleash mayhem on them.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, have called on the Nigerian government to end the killing of protesters against police brutality in Nigeria.
The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, in a statement stated to that “I’ve been asked about the ongoing protests in Nigeria and I can tell you that the Secretary-General is following the protests in Nigeria calling for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and an end to human rights violations allegedly committed by security agencies.
“The Secretary-General stresses the importance of respect for peaceful protests and freedom of assembly and calls on the security forces to exercise maximum restraint in the policing of the demonstrations. “The Secretary-General welcomes the decision by the Government of Nigeria to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Unit and undertake broader police reforms. He expresses the readiness of the United Nations to accompany Nigeria in those efforts,” the UN said.
Similarly, the Deputy Secretary-General, who is a former Minister of Environment in Nigeria, Amina Mohammed, has also called on the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to cease killing unarmed protesters.
According to Mohammed, “the UN & I are following the protests in #Nigeria calling for an end to human rights violations. I join the #UNSG in stressing the importance of respect for peaceful protests & freedom of assembly & call on the security forces to exercise maximum restraint.”
Likewise, US presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, Joe Biden, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to bring to a halt the violent crackdown on #EndSARS protesters.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday sighted by Echotitbits, Biden asked the federal government to engage in dialogue with the civil society in order to address citizens’ grievances.
Furthermore, Biden stated that United States must show solidarity with Nigerians who are peacefully seeking police reform and asking for an end to corruption.
“I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths,” he said.
“My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence. The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.
“I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria.”
Joining her voice to call for restraint by Nigerian forces, ex-US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had appealed to President Buhari to stop the killing of the protesters.
The former first lady of the US made the appeal in a tweet on Tuesday night. She lent her voice in support of those who had condemned the action of the soldiers.
“I’m calling on Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian army to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters,” she tweeted.
A collage photo of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Kola Ologbodiyan and scores of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll gate, Lagos.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday night released video of Lekki shooting, describing it as a massacre.
The opposition party condemned in very strong terms the killing of peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos as well as other parts of the country.
“It is shocking that security agents and, in some cases, thugs, were reportedly deployed to end the lives of promising Nigerians. This, to say the least, is saddening.
“Those responsible for the heinous murder of the innocent and harmless Nigerians must account for their nefarious acts,” PDP said.
The party called on “President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct an end to these wanton killings across our nation.”
“We invite the International Criminal Court (ICC) to bring all those responsible for the needless death of these very young Nigerians to justice,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu ìn a remark posted on twitter Wednesday morning has distanced himself from the rain of bullets on unarmed peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate on the night of Tuesday October 10, 2020.
The Governor, who earlier on Tuesday imposed curfew on the state described the incident as a night killing as “the toughest night of our lives, forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.”
“I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki.
“It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritize the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.
“There are currently 10 patients at the General Hospital,11 at Reddington, and four at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while Two are receiving intensive medical care, and another three patients have been discharged, and the state will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care whatsoever.
“As the Governor of Lagos state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the Federal Government to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives and livelihood of our residents.
“Furthermore, I will give a state broadcast in the morning”, the Governor said.
File Photo of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into reports of live ammunition fired at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza Tuesday evening.
This was coming as Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to remain calm.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement, said the shooting would be investigated immediately.
“There have been reports of shooting at Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
“The state Glgovernment has ordered an investigation into the incident. Governor Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.
“He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear state upside down,” Omotoso said.
File photo of Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu
Lagos State Police Command Tuesday declared that no protest or gathering or procession under whatever guise, would henceforth be permitted within the state.
The command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the #EndSAR protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who want to run down the state.
He explained that the police command would resist such state of anarchy, unrest and brouhaha with all powers within the ambit of the law.
“Due to the new development of violent attacks on police officers and men and formations including innocent Nigerians in Lagos State, and the 24-hour curfew imposed by Lagos State Government with effect from 4pm of today (October 20), Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that henceforth no protest or gathering or procession under whatever guise, is permitted within Lagos State.
“In the light of the above, all security agencies have deployed adequate personnel to take charge and enforce the curfew across the state.
“In the same vein, the command regrets to confirm the setting ablaze of Orile Police State today at about 10am, where some of our policemen were critically injured and unconfirmed reports state that one of them is dead.
“It’s crystal clear that the #EndSARS protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who want to run down the state and the police command will resist such state of anarchy, unrest and brouhaha with all powers within the ambit of the law.
“While the command is resolute in sustenance of human rights and democratic tenets, the general public is hereby warned to comply with the curfew and desist from any act of violence in the state as the command will resist such in totality,” said the statement.
Following activities of suspected hoodlums who have now hijacked the peaceful EndSARS protest across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate deployment of anti-riot operatives to protect lives and property as well as secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
The order was made known in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the IGP also ordered massive deployment of police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide.
“The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters; immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands.
“The IGP notes that twelve (12) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on Police Stations in Benin, Edo State. Five (5) AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered.
“The Inspector-General of Police calls on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, unlawfully released from Correctional facilities. Meanwhile, the IGP has advised parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to steer-clear of acts of violence and criminality as the Force will henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens,” Mba said.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has again called on the Nigerian youth to call off their protest and engage government in a meaningful dialogue to find amicable solutions to their demands.
Governor Abiodun who made the call when he hosted representatives of students of higher institutions in the State in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said it was time to halt the protest before it degenerated into an wholesome situation that could cause choas in the country.
“Please wind down the protest; you have spoken and the whole world has heard you. Where your freedom stops, is where that of others starts. Don’t allow this protest to degenerate into a situation where people will begin to attack each other.
“It is time to dialogue so that we can find solutions to the problems you have highlighted. The National Economic Council has mandated us to handle the situation and here in Ogun State, we have inaugurated a panel to handle cases of brutality by security agencies with a view to ensure that appropriate punishment are meted out to those found wanting”, he explained.
Prince Abiodun who said he identified with the protest, noted that Nigerians, like citizens of other free countries of the world, have the right to protest. He, however, observed that the Nigerian youth have finally demonstrated that they are resilient and could rise up to be counted when the occasion arises.
He acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the students in the State since he assumed office, saying it was a demonstration of the qualities associated with people of the State and what they stand for.
“I want to appreciate you for being disciplined. You have behaved well since I assumed office. Ogun State students have not been reported to have behaved irresponsibly. Keep it up. It is the way you conduct yourselves today that determine how far you go tomorrow”, the Governor said.
The Governor said his administration has fashioned out ways of addressing the numerous challenges facing higher Institutions particularly in the area of electricity, transportation, provision of laboratories and workshops.
He informed the students leaders that access roads on their campuses are currently under rehabilitation, while government was working out a Public Private Partnership arrangements to build hostels and address transportation issues.
He said Goverrnment would reactivate their faulty transformers to improve power supply in their institutions.
Government, he maintained, would look into bursary and scholarship, assuring the students that those who excel would be rewarded to serve as inspiration to others.
Speaking earlier, the President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State, Comrade Tomiwa Bamgbose, while reeling out the challenges confronting the students, lauded the Governor for intervening in the Tai Solarin College of Education crisis and giving automatic employment to best graduating students in many polytechnics and universities in the State.
The President, National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS), Comrade Gbemileke Okuronbi, appreciated the Governor for his strides in the education sector, pleading for the payment of bursary to ameliorate the suffering of the students.
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