APPEAL FOR CALM

The events of the past few days have challenged us all as a nation. The right to PEACEFUL protest is granted by the Constitution and indeed other international legislations and protocols. Such must however be exercised in an orderly and very lawful manner, such as we have witnessed with the #EndSARS protests, especially the one at the Lekki Toll Plaza.

The aggravating factor is the indiscriminate shooting of unarmed protesters by the security forces deployed to the Lekki Toll Plaza. It was totally unnecessary. There have however been reports and counter-reports of fatalities.

The Governor of Lagos State has ordered a thorough investigation into the unfortunate events of October 20, 2020. While we await the outcome of that investigation, we call on all persons with cases of brutality by the security agencies to please come forward with their complaints, especially cases where death has occurred.

In the meantime, we do humbly appeal to all citizens to remain calm and resist the provocation to vent their anger in any way that may lead to destruction of lives and property.

As the government has already declared a curfew, it is important that we abide by all lawful directives, while working to fish out all perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters.

I sue for peace.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN