#EndSARS panel’s recommendations will be implemented, says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised that recommendations of the Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Related Abuses and Other Matters on the October 20, 2020, Lekki Tollgate shootings would be made public and implemented.

The governor said though the outcome of the panel report was still unknown, the government has no hidden agenda in the matter.

He spoke yesterday at the 10th conference of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu hailed policemen at the protest ground, adding that all protesters arrested during the one-year memorial of the #EndSARS protest had been released, except those caught with weapons.

He said: “Exactly a year ago today, Lagos witnessed massive destruction of its infrastructure, iconic buildings, transport sector, police stations and almost every part. I feel there is no better time than today, being one year of that event, to say how difficult it has been for us as a state; to say how moving it has been for us as a government and the commitment it has given us.

“The judicial panel set up has ended its sitting, and has asked for time to put its report together. We do not know what the outcome will be, but we will make it public upon its handover. We will not cover anything; that is not who we are; that is not what our government stands for.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended a hand of fellowship to the youths to be stakeholders in the development of the state, and reiterated his commitment to reconciliation.

In Osun, the chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and some civil society organisations (CSOs) condemned the arrest and arraignment of a reporter Sikiru Obarayese who filmed the #EndSARS memorial protest in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Obarayese, a correspondent of Daily Post, was arrested at Old-Garage and later arraigned before Osogbo Magistrate Court for allegedly for filming Divisional Police Officer of Dugbe Police Station, Oyegade Akinloye during the protest.

Chairman of the chapter Wasiu Ajadosu demanded an apology from the state police command over the arrest and arraignment of the journalist.

The body threatened to cease coverage of the police command’s activities if it does not rein in its errant personnel.

Also, two CSOs, Take It Back Movement, and Advocacy for Advancement of Peace & Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI) have demanded an investigation and prosecution of DPO Oyegade Akinloye and other officials who brutalised Obarayese. They also asked that Akinloye be removed.