The Lagos Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called for restraints over the recently submitted report of the panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other related issues.
In a statement signed and made available to Lagos Panorama, by the Lagos State APC Spokesman, Hon Seye Oladejo on Thursday, the party said its attention has been drawn to a flurry of comments, innuendos, conjectures and suggestions since the reports of the EndSARS panel were presented to the state government.
The statement read partly “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 Sanwoolu 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 setup 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.
We commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives during the protest and other police brutality. We urge the Lagos State government to remain focused on its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens and jettison needless distractions.
