Of all tragedies that occured during the just ended #EndSARS protests in Nigeria , the Lekki TollGate killings in Lagos last week Tuesday, drew the wildest of condemnations from Nigerians in and outside the country, TAIYE ODEWALE reports.
The #EndSARS protests which started about three weeks ago in Lagos spread like wild fire to many of the other states of the federation penultimate week with pockets of tragedies in form of killings of some of the protesters by security operatives or thugs hired to disrupt the protest like the one that happened in Ogbomoso on Saturday, October 10, 2020, where Isiaka Jimoh lost his life .
Though the case of Ogbomoso was condemned by concerned Nigerians including President Muhamnadu Buhari but that of Lekki TollGate, alleged to have been carried out by men of the Nigerian Army ; attracted the wildest of condemnations in and outside the country and invariably brought ‘looting dimension’ into the protests by angry Nigerians already afflicted by hunger.
The deluge of condemnations trailing the alleged Lekki TollGate massacre, also came from the federal lawmakers at both Chambers of the National Assembly through strong worded statements issued individually or collectively since avenues for sponsorship of motions on issues like that , is not available now , having suspended their plenary till November 24 for 2021 budget consideration at Committee levels .
First to issue such statement was immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu ( PDP Enugu West) who called for justice for everyone, who had fallen victim of government’s actions or inactions in the face of the nationwide protests.
He said the rights to peaceful assembly remained guaranteed by the Constitution and any unilateral imposition of curfews was unconstitutional.
He said: “The events at the EndSARS protest at the Lekki Tollgate and use of maximum force on unarmed protesters last night ( penultimate Tuesday) , is another low for our nation and her democracy and should be condemned by men and women of conscience across all political divides.
“Therefore, my heart goes out to the wounded and the families of the dead. Everyone involved in this irrational and horrendous act must be held accountable in order to preserve the sanctity of human lives, our democracy, and what is left of our dignity in the comity of civilised nations”.
“Times like this call for dialogue and restraint on the part of government and utmost patriotism and professionalism on the part of those charged with securing lives and property. Anything to the contrary may be tantamount to pouring petrol on a raging inferno.
“Unfortunately, government in dealing with the present situation, has taken even more dangerous steps by deploying soldiers as well as by imposing restrictions on the rights of Nigerians without following the provisions of Sections 45 and 305 of the 1999 Constitution. And doing so exposes both those who are deploying the soldiers and those engaging in human rights abuses under such extra-constitutional restrictions to trial by the International Criminal Court in future.
“The 1999 Constitution is very clear on how to deal with matters like this if government perceives genuine threats to the lives and properties of Nigerians. But to wake up and impose curfews is a residue of military rule that has no constitutional backing.
“Also, hoodlums, who capitalised on the protest to commit violent crimes that resulted in loss of lives and burning down of public and private properties and businesses must be fished out and made to face the law”.
Also reacting to the alleged massacre, Senator Betty Apiafi ( PDP Rivers West) , in a personally signed statement, said: “My heart bleeds, and I condemn this callous act in all ramifications. I implore the President, Muhammadu Buhari to stop this heinous crime, investigate and ensure that the military officers responsible for the Lekki massacre are brought to book
“How can a democratically elected government use the military to kill Nigerian Citizens, the same people who elected us into positions, the same people we swore to protect as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution?
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended provides for the fundamental human rights of its citizens. Section 13 which talks about the fundamental objectives of Government, clearly states that it shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government and of all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of the chapters of this constitution.
“Section 14 further provides that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice. It further declares that; the sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its power and authoritythe Security and Welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
“Section 40 also states that “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union, or association for the protection of his interests”.
“From the constitutional provisions above, the gunning down and massacre of young, unarmed and defenseless peaceful ENDSARS PROTESTERS at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, on Tuesday 20th October 2020, by the military is unconstitutional”.
The condemnation took a collective dimension when 63 serving federal lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives , issued a joint statement demanding for justice on those killed at the Lekki TollGate.
The statement reads in part : ” We the undersigned are legislators committed to setting agenda for progressive laws in Nigeria; initiating progressive laws and speaking against anti-people bills in the National Assembly.
“We have followed carefully the #ENDSARS protest by young people across Nigeria for the past two weeks and the killings in several cities including Jos, Kaduna, Abuja, Benin and Lagos.
“We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as a result of frustration by Nigerian youths who have seen governments at all levels failed to provide public goods and opportunities for them to live meaningful life.
“We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a democratic society.
“We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed, defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off.
“We call on the President to give an immediate order to all security agencies to stop shooting at protesters.
“We condemn this action by government and security agencies. This is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. There is no justification whatsoever for security officials who are paid with tax payers’ money to kill unarmed protesters.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act and all those who gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable manner.
“We ask the President to immediately identify all the officers involved and prosecute them for murder.
“We also condemn the attack and burning of properties of innocent citizens and government.
“We are calling on government to respond expeditiously to demand of the protesters and other lingering issues of addressing the security architecture of the country and addressing revelations of corruption in many government agencies”.
The 63 federal lawmakers who signed the statement were Senators Olubunmi Adetunmbi ( APC Ekiti North), Michael Opeyemi Bamidele ( APC Ekiti Central) , Tolu Odebiyi ( APC Ogun West) and Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru ( APC Osun Central) .
From the House of Representatives were Hon Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, Hon. Francis Waive, Hon. Peter Akpatason, Hon Tajudeen Yusuf , Hon. Umeoji Chukwuma,Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba and Hon(Dr). Francis Ottah Agbo.
Others are Hon. Unyime Idem, Hon. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, Hon. Segius Ogun, Hon. Preye Oseke,Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro, Hon. (Barr) Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, Hon. Bamidele Salam, Hon. Dennis Idahosa,Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Benjamin Bem Mzondu, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga,Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Amos Magaji, Hon (Dr) Olododo Cook Abdulganiyu Saka,Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Hon. Olubukola Oyewo and Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Oluyole.
Also involved in the jointly signed statement were Hon Jom Honoma Nkem Abonta, Hon. Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, Hon. Wole Oke, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo,Hon. Nkeiruka C. Onyejeocha, Hon. Solomon Adaelu, Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, Hon (Dr) Paschal Chigozie Ogah, Hon. Nicholas Ossai Ossai, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Hon (Dr.) Muriana Ajibola ,Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, Hon. Machin Bagos and Hon. Solomon Maren.
Also signatories to the statement were Hon (Dr.) Abiante Dagomie innombek, Hon. Solomon Bolu, Hon. Dan Asuquo, Hon. Bitrus Laori,Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Tyoe Bob, Hon. Benjamin Nzomdu,Hon. Ken Chikere , Hon. Boma Goodhead, Hon. Boniface Emerengwa, Hon. Dum Dekor, Hon. Gogo Bright, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Dennis Amadi and Hon. Amos Gwani.
Condemnations have been made on the alleged Massacre and panel of enquiry set up to unravel those involved but the question is , will justice prevail at the end of the day ?
Time will definitely tell .
