The representative of civil societies on the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, has appealed to the #OccupyLekkiTollgate and #DefendLagos campaigners not to carry on with the planned protests on Saturday, February 13, 2021.
Last weekend, the panel voted to hand over the toll gate back to its operators, the Lekki Concession Company, after forensic experts presented their reports on the October 20th incident.
Prior to this, hashtags such as #OccupyLekkiTollgate, #DefendLagos and #DemNoBornYourPapaWell had been trending on all social media platforms.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adegboruwa appealed to the youths to stop the planned protest for now but however, noted that they have the constitutional right to convey their grievances.
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 protest 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, education, 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 army, both respondents before the Panel, to embrace caution and demonstrate the utmost respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens, including protesters, counter-protesters, and non-protesters alike.”
