Pascal Arogorn Ibe
Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa , the representative of civil society on the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the alleged killing of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers at the Lekki Toll Gate , has appealed to #OccupyLekkiTollgate and #DefendLagos campaigners to shelve the planned protest and counter-protest slated for Saturday, February 13, 2021.
The PUNCH had reported that the panel last Saturday decided to hand over the toll gate back to its operators , Lekki Concession Company, after forensic experts submitted their report on the October 20, 2020 incident.
Subsequently , hash tags such as #OccupyLekkiTollgate and counter-protest hash tags such as #DefendLagos and #DemNoBornYourPapaWell trended online .
In a statement on Wednesday , Adegboruwa said the youths have the constitutional right to express themselves but appealed to them to shelve the planned demonstrations “ at least for now ” .
He said , “ A protest or counter-protest at this time, may work to jeopardize the overall work of the Panel, the witnesses appearing or to appear, the testimonies , the investigations or even affect its ultimate assignment.
“ I ’ m concerned about the consequences of protests and counter-protests, at the same location, in relation to security and likely violation of COVID 19 protocols , given the rising wave of the pandemic, in Lagos State especially , where most economic, social , educational and other activities , are partially grounded, presently .
“ While the assignment of investigating the Lekki Toll Gate Incident of 20th October 2020 is yet to be concluded by the Panel, it will be premature to proceed on it , as the basis of renewed calls for protest and counter-protest .
“ It is safer for now , for the Lagos State Government and its agencies, the EndSARS group and indeed all those concerned with the Lekki Toll Gate Incident , to await the final report of the Panel.
“ I appeal to all security agencies, especially the police and the army , both respondents before the Panel , to embrace caution and demonstrate utmost respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens, including protesters , counter-protesters and non-protesters alike. ”
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