Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC)
leader, has proposed that revenue from the Lekki Toll Gate be donated to
confirmed victims of the shooting that occurred during the #EndSARS protest.
According to him, other identifiable victims of police
brutality in the state should also benefit from the proceeds.
Tinubu in a statement on Sunday also absolved himself from
allegations of ordering the deployment of soldiers against peaceful protesters
at Lekki toll plaza on Oct.20, 2020.
“I propose to government that the tollgate be left closed
for an indefinite period.
“If it is reopened, revenues should be donated to the
confirmed victims of the Lekki attack as well as to other identifiable victims
of police brutality in Lagos.
“Let government use the money to compensate and take care of
those who have lost life or limb in the struggle for all citizens to go about
the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of life without fear of undue harassment at this
or that checkpoint.’’
On the allegations that he owned the Lekki toll gate
concession, Tinubu refuted the claims, saying the toll gate was a public asset
of which he had no business interest in.
On his involvement in the killings, he said: “I did not
order this or any assault against anybody neither do I have any prior knowledge
about this sad event.
“The present situation clearly does nothing to profit me
politically or otherwise.
“It has complicated matters for me because many people now
wrongfully blame me for a violent incident in which I played no part.
“Still, I stand strongly behind the people of Nigeria and
affirm their right to protest peacefully,” he said
The APC leader condemned the use of force on peaceful
protesters.
“ The use of strong force against any peaceful protesters is
indefensible.
“It is completely outside the norms of a democratic society
and progressive political culture to which I have aspired and devoted public
life.
“It is my firm belief that no one should be harassed,
injured or possibly killed for doing what they have the constitutional right to
do in making their contribution to a better, more equitable society.’’
He said: “Along with all well-meaning, patriotic Nigerians,
I want to see an end to all forms of institutionalised brutality and l shall do
my utmost to see that this humane objective is realised.
“For, if these protests can generate meaningful reform, our
youths would have achieved a compound national success.
“First, they would have ended the terrible matter of
institutionalised police brutality.
“Second, Nigeria
would have made an important accretion to our political culture whereby
government listened to and acted on the recommendations of ordinary people
protesting against the wrongs done them.
“This would establish a healthy precedent. Yet such durable
progress can be made only if government respects the protesters and protesters
actively negotiate with government,’’ he said.
The APC leader said that government should not curtail
protests as the people have chosen it as their preferred way to interface with
government on this issue.
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