Victor Ezeja
Lagos State Government has urged members of the public to remain calm over report released by the state judicial panel of inquiry that investigated allegations of police brutality during the Lekki toll gate incident in October last year.
The panel’s report which was released on Monday, accused Nigerian Police and the Army of shooting #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2020.
The report has sparked wide outrage, condemnation and generated a lot of debates by Nigerians who have demanded urgent implementation of the panel’s recommendations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy,
Gbenga Omotoso said the government has noted the reactions of people and would make known its position on the matter in due time.
The statement reads, “Lagos State Government has noted the various reactions that have followed the submission of the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters. There have been arguments in the public space over the report.
“There is need for us to restrain ourselves from nullifying the good intentions of the government in setting up this Panel, which was well encouraged to do its job – a fact that was acknowledged by the Panel.
“In accordance with the Tribunal of Inquiry Law 2015, a committee has been set up to bring up a White Paper on the report to determine the next line of action.
“At the appropriate time, the Government will make known its views on all the issues raised by the Panel through the release of a White Paper.”
The Lagos judicial panel recommended holistic reform of the police force, sanctioning of officers of the Nigerian Army and police involved in shooting and killing of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate, compensation of victims of the Lekki incident, a public apology to ENDSARS protesters who were either killed, injured or traumatized by the Incident, an insitution of a memorial of the incident, amongst other recommendations.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
