A socio-political group, Lagos Of Our Dreams (Project LOUD) has condemned the verbal exchange between Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu and a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in Magodo area of the state, describing the incident as unfortunate.
Coordinator of Project LOUD, Prince Kenny Bakare, in a statement on Thursday, said the unfortunate incident has clearly vindicated Sanwo-Olu on the shooting at the Lekki toll-gate on October 20, 2020 during the #EndSARS protest against police brutality.
According to Bakare, “For a CSP to be deployed from Abuja to carry out special operation in Lagos without the consent of the Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the State and the said officer openly refusing the instruction of the Governor leaves much to be desired of the structure we are running in the country.
“The fact that the Chief Security Officer of a state is not made to be aware of an important police operation such as the Magodo incident that could have led to breakdown of law and order in the state speaks volume about how insignificant Governors are in matters relating to security in the country.
“Our conclusion from the Magodo episode is that Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has been vindicated that he knew nothing about the shooting of peaceful protesters on October 20, 2020 at the Lekki toll-gate.
“As a matter of fact, Mr Governor also demonstrated good faith by setting up a panel to investigate the incident and providing the logistics and necessary support for the panel to conclude its work, after which a White Paper was issued on the incident.”
Project LOUD said time was ripe to review and revisit the current federal structure where Governors are inconsequential in security matters despite the huge support they are giving to the police.
“This is the time to adopt state police and practice true federalism,” Project LOUD said.
