ActionAid Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to investigate the shooting of peaceful protesters at Lekki toll gate, leading to loss of lives, while some were injured, saying president Buhari’s failure to acknowledge it in his broadcast was most unexpected.
In a statement by Ene Obi, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, however emphasized that those who ordered the shooting, as well as the officers who fired at peaceful protesters must be brought to book openly for Nigerians to see
She applauded the level of resilience demonstrated by Nigerian Youths within the past few weeks amidst the violence that has trailed peaceful protests, whilst raising their voices against injustice and demanding for good governance.
While calling on the government to give clear-cut responses to all demands of the protestors, she said there must also be
definite timelines for government’s response to youths’ demands.
“The resolve of the youths to remain peaceful in making their demands despite the attacks, violence, killings, hijack of the peaceful protests by hoodlums and provocative silence of the Federal Government has not gone unnoticed.
“On Thursday 22nd October, ActionAid Nigeria, like many other Nigerians watched the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari’s long-awaited speech, notably without mentioning the shooting at the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge in Lagos, that led to the injury of scores of protesters and deaths as reported by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“As a non-governmental organisation working to end poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria, we are deeply saddened and call on the President to:
“Recognise that the rights of youths have been trampled upon with the use of maximum force and military actions. The incident that transpired at Lekki must be investigated and those who ordered the shooting, as well as the officers who fired at peaceful protestors must be brought to book openly for Nigerians to see (#BlackTuesday, October 20, 2020).
“Commit to justice for all the victims injured and families of those who lost their lives as a result of the #EndPoliceBrutality campaign across the nation.
“Investigate those who smuggled hoodlums to disrupt the peaceful protests, attack their fellow citizens and destroy properties. (Government at all levels must allow youths to stand united for the country and desist from using young Nigerians for political gain).
“ActionAid Nigeria also calls on all State Governors to sue for peace by recognising all the lapses in the Presidential speech for prompt enforcement.
“As a development partner in the forefront of achieving social justice in Nigeria, we renew our commitment to support young Nigerians to take their space and ensure good governance in Nigeria. We urge the youths to organise peacefully and sustain the momentum of their quest for a participatory, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and inclusive governance that follows the rule of law.
