The Federal Government has announced that it has made contacts with officials of the UK government over a proposal to sanction officials of the government for the massacre of protesters at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
The UK Parliament had earlier in the week resolved to impose sanctions on some Nigerian officials over their role in the “violent suppression” of the protests.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, told newsmen at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja that it was not within the purview of the legislators to impose restrictions but added that it was necessary to espouse Nigeria’s position for an informed decision.
According to the minister, “The UK government has been briefed. There was a UK parliamentarian meeting and the UK government, which acts for the United Kingdom, has also heard the side of the (Nigerian) government regarding everything that has happened.
“So, we have been in touch with them and engaging them. As in every democracy, members of parliament are also able to air their views.
“What is important is that a balanced picture is made available to them before they take any decision.”
Military operatives had employed elements of force in stopping the protesting youths in Lekki in October. The #ENDSARS protests were targeted at ending police brutality and exploitation of young Nigerians.
The #ENDSARS protests gained the attention of members of the international community and leading global politicians including vice president Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.
