Lagos Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to Lagosians to suspend any planned demonstrations tomorrow, adding that he seeks to maintain the safety of all residents by preventing escalations.
“I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount,” he said today, in a statement released via his Twitter account.
The Governor assured Lagosians that all arrested protesters would be released immediately, adding that he admires the bravery of the youth who are at the forefront of the fight against police brutality in the state.
He said, “I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom.
“As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.
Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.
“I am meeting with the Lagos CP. Protesters will be released and broader issues will be addressed in my meeting with the President tomorrow. Let us take a break from protests tomorrow and give us a chance to take tangible next steps.”
He also expressed sadness at the issue of protesters being murdered by police officers across the State, adding that, henceforth, police officers would cease to use live ammunition during further #EndSARS protests in Lagos.
“I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
“Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.
We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.”
