Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has appealed to the
youth protesting against police brutality in the state to suspend the #EndSARS
protests and embrace dialogue for the resolution of their grievances.
A statement by Gboyega Akosile, chief press secretary to the
governor, said Sanwo-Olu made the appeal during the swearing-in of members of
the judicial panel of inquiry and restitution at the government house in
Marina, on Monday.
According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu said his government
has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised by the
protesters, given the actions taken so far.
He asked the protesters to be part of the process of
implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, adding that
continuous blocking of roads, government and private offices “would slow down
the procedure of implementing their demands”.
He also asked the protesters to bear with the government as
it strives to ensure that their demands are met as some of them would take
time.
“We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete
overhaul of the Nigerian Police. The inauguration of this Judicial Panel of
Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will
lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police,” he said.
“I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to
a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your
concerns.
“Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people
out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and
legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands,
some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work
on your demands.
“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to
suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending
demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the
families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”
Sanwo-Olu said he believes the task of reforming the police
is achievable but requires the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish
it.
He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young
people who stood their ground in the last two weeks, adding that their tenacity
has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.
He assured them that the outcome of the judicial panel would
open a new chapter in police-citizen relationship, promising that justice will
be served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.
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