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Nigerian Army intervened during EndSARS protests for peace –Lagos govt explains
The Lagos State Government has come out to explain the reason soldiers “intervened” during the EndSARS protests in October 2020.
Following the heavy backlash that has been on the neck of the Lagos State Government, it has come out to explain the reason soldiers “intervened” during the EndSARS protests in October 2020.
The government said the military men intervened to restore law and order in the state.
According to the Whitepaper of Babajide-Sanwo-Olu government on the report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters
“Lagos State Government observes that Section 217(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) states that the Armed Forces may “intervene to suppress insurrection and also to assist civil authorities to restore lawful order” which had clearly broken down in Lagos between 19th – 21st October 2020. See evidence of Brig. Gen. A.I. Taiwo on page 35, Mr. Muri-Okunola (Head of Service) on pages 120-126 and ACP. Oludotun Odubona on pages 219-223).
Such intervention must however be with clear rules of engagement.”
The government, meanwhile, rejected the findings by the Okuwobi-led panel that nine persons were killed by gunshots at the Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2020.
Recall that the ENDSARS panel had listed 48 names as casualties out of which 22 protesters sustained gunshot injuries, while 15 others were assaulted by soldiers and the police when they stormed the Lekki toll gate to disperse the young demonstrators.
According to The Punch, the state government accepted 11 out of the 32 recommendations made by the judicial panel of inquiry, rejected one, and accepted six with modifications while 14 recommendations fall outside the powers of Lagos State Government and will be forwarded to the Federal Government for consideration.
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