BY DAYO ADESULU
Following the submission of the judicial panel’s report on EndSARS protesters to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwolu, Nigerian youths are seeking the submission of the same report to the International Criminal Court (ICC) doubting if there would be any positive action from the Nigerian governments.
The Lagos EndSARS Panel has submitted its report on the Lekki Tollgate shootings of October 20, 2020, to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the findings of the leaked report that the Killing of protesters at Lekki tollgate could be likened to a massacre and that the police officers attempted to cover up the shooting of protesters at Lekki tollgate on October 20, 2020.
The leaked report also stated that LCC was accused of manipulating the CCTV footage presented to the panel. Just as it also condemns the conduct of the Nigerian Army for its refusal to allow ambulances to render medical assistance to victims who required such assistance amongst others.
Reacting to the leaked #EndSARS report through Facebook comments on Nigeria Info Facebook page. Moshood Sanni asked some pertinent questions begging for answers.
He said: ”Presenting what report and to who? To a governor who called in soldiers to Lekki Toll Gate? To a governor who lied on CNN about not knowing about the presence of soldiers at Lekki Toll Gate? To a governor who claimed the forces beyond his powers requested for the deployment of soldiers to the Toll Gate? To a governor whom the soldiers later claimed invited them to the Toll Gate? Irrespective of how credible the panel members may be, there’s no way a lot of cover-ups wouldn’t have been done to support Governor Sanwo-Olu.”
On his part, Abbey Oriyomi lamented in his comment. He said: ” My Country Nigeria used 382-Days to bring out a Panel Of Lekki massacre, 20/10/2020 16/11/2021. Are they not shame at all and till present it to Mr Governor who first said that he confirm four dead, and later said no one even injured or hit by a bullet.
Please, is there a law for powerful people in Nigeria? The law in our Constitution only work for the poor and not them.”
Mr Peter Ako while giving his own remark, said: ”I knew that the Lagos State government and the military were lying in their previous reports. My biggest pain is some civilians who will always call on radio stations to support the same government that is punishing everybody. The truth is gradually coming out and you’ll not hear any of the supporters’ voices on the radio today. They killed many people. It’s painful.”
For Mr George Loveday, he posited: ”This is all hogwash. The pieces of evidence were there from day one. The actual tragedy is the level of impunity and the fact that such a heinous crime can be committed in this age without a grave consequence to the perpetrators. That’s the actual tragedy.
”Even with the shameless twisting of mouth by the Nigerian Army, everything was clear. The panel that took one full year to make findings is just an inconsequential official process.
Wasn’t Sawno Olu on CNN? What about the live Instagram video? Where’s the Camcorder Agent Fashola picked up?”
Tom Emmanuel who also commented on the report said: ”When CNN reported it they claimed it was a lie, they said Amnesty International was trying to start propaganda, the Lagos State Government, Nigerian Government, Army and all others involved denied any wrong but in all, the truth keeps coming out. ”I don’t know if there’s any punishment that can suffice, but let those deaths not be in vain. Let justice prevail and the reason for their death worked on for a better Nigeria. Good morning.”
Jonathan Igbo, another youth responded: ”This is just to tell you how devilish the government of Lagos State under Sanwo-Olu and that of the centre Buhari lead government are. ”For this APC paid e-rat callers who always dismissed the claim of death of innocent Nigerian citizens will surely have such in their various families. I urge the citizens of Lagos to make sure Lekki tollgate never come up again for any reason.”
”But some are making the case that no life was lost at Lekki Tollgate during EndSARS. God will judge and all of us one day. The Army carries the dead bodies. Igboho home was raided and people were killed. Where are their bodies? Shame on our government,” Ojukwu Eze.
Mr Chizzu Meri after reading the report, said:” So, will the government accept it if pronounced guilty of the Lekki shooting?
”Will they now have to accept the fact that lives were lost at Lekki toll gate after their previous denial? Our government is indeed the problem we are facing in this country.”
Armstrong Pius said: ”Quite unfortunate that we needed a panel to reveal this truth when it was obvious that there were killings in the EndSARS protest. ”I hope proper justice will be served and it will not be another case they will sweep under the carpet.”
Ojaoba Sunday remarked: ”Truth must prevail. It’s so sad that a government, I mean fathers will kill those young enough to be their children and will still come forth to deny it. ”Shame on those who ordered the killings and the soldiers who allowed themselves to be used in killing armless citizens that were asking for a sane society to live in. The blood of the innocent will cause your death and to hang yourself like Judas unless you sincerely repent and ask for forgiveness. Your life and the lives of those in government, don’t worth more than the lives of those you murdered unjustly.”
In his reaction, Collins Smith said: ”This report won’t yield any positive results because this is Nigeria where impunity and no law exist. Mark my words. Nobody’ll be held accountable in this case.
Giving his comment, Mr John Madufor said: ”The Nigerian Army to have to refuse ambulances to render medical help is the wickedness of the highest order. No wonder good citizens are happy when Bandits, ISWAP or Gun Men kill them. We actually pay Taxes for these Nigerian Security Forces to be sustained and rather than protect the citizens, they turn back and kill the people who pay their Salaries.
This life really is not balanced.”
Olabode Fashina who also commented said: ”Let’s assume APC attempted to cover up the massacre with lies and lies which the party is known for, what is however disheartening is the involvement of Nigeria police force who are becoming so partisan and conniving with the government in extrajudicial killing to cover up the killing. A society where innocent citizens cannot trust the police, military or the government is not worth living.
Mr Tunji Oriyomi remarked: ”This ain’t democracy, it’s a crazy demonstration, this is a very very bad government where a group of terrorists are being given amnesty and people with AK47 busy raping, kidnapping, killing our people are not declared as a terrorist.
”They even have a school called Fulani herdsmen school. Please, who is this person who amalgamated the North and South of Nigeria? Now the evidence has arrived, let’s see what happens next. Buhari and amalgamation is the biggest mistake of this geographical location called Nigeria. Please, don’t blame the Nigerian army for this, it’s the Fulani herdsmen government and the most foolish governor of the southwest region.”
In conclusion, two youths, Urowu Kingsley and Stephen Ubimago suggested that the #EndSARS panel report copy be forwarded to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Urowu Kingsley said: ”Let this report be forwarded to ICC and all those whose action and inaction that led to the deaths, brutalization of innocent civilians be brought to justice. ”If the report remains in Nigeria, the powers that be will put it under the carpet just like the Oputa panel report.”
Speaking in the same vein, Stephen Ubimago said: ”The Buhari Government is the most bloody government in all of Nigeria’s history. Such a shame. Buhari, Sanwoolu, and leaders of the Nigerian military deserve committal before the International Criminal Court.”
