#EndSARS: Lagos APC urges restraints over judicial panel report

As concerned residents and victims of the 2020 EndSARS protest in Lagos State await white paper on the recommendations of the retired Justice Doris Okuwobi-led Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and other matters, the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned against setting the state on fire again.

Following the submission of the recommendations to the state government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday set up a four-member committee led by Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) to raise a White Paper on the recommendations submitted.

As the heat generated by the recommendations rages, the Spokesman of the party, Hon Seye Oladejo, said seeking political gains from the collective trauma of a nation is the height of irresponsibility and inhumanity.

Reacting to comments the reports have so far generated, he said many of them are tailored to suit a pre-determined purpose.

He stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a flurry of comments, innuendos, conjectures and suggestions since the reports of the EndSARS panel has been presented to the state government.

“While some of the foregoing have come from well-meaning Nigerians who sought closure to the unfortunate incident of the EndSARS protest by ensuring justice for the victims and preventing a re-occurrence, others have literally written their own report to suit a pre-determined purpose.

“Without any doubt, it is distasteful that commentators have based their utter condemnation on a leaked report which has led to some of the content being disputed by some members of the panel.

“It is the height of irresponsibility and inhumanity to seek political gains from our collective trauma as a nation.

“We recall the commendable leadership role of the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the crisis by identifying with and addressing the demands of the protesters.

“It is also worthy of mention that the Lagos State government was the first to set up a panel of enquiry to unravel the mystery behind the incident.

“It is on record that the panel during its sittings enjoyed the unhindered support of the government to successfully carry out its assignment.

“The role of the state government in standing with people at this trying moment and keeping the faith by publicly receiving its report is no doubt commendable.

“The immediate set up of a committee to prepare a white paper is also in line with keeping the faith.

“The intention of those behind the leaked report should be condemned by all and sundry as it constitutes another attempt to unleash further mystery on the state.

“While we await the white paper on the reports, we want to urge restraints in order not to set our dear state on fire again.”

Lagos APC, however, commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives during the protest and other police brutality, while urging “Lagos State government to remain focused on its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens and jettison needless distractions.”

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