By Following rumours that the #EndSARS protesters are planning to resume protest at Lekki toll gate over its reopening, Human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called for calm and appealed to all concerned parties.
Adegboruwa, who is a member, Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Lekki Shootings, while acknowledging the right to citizens to freedom of expression, urged the “protesters, counter-protesters and non-protesters alike” to suspend the plan.
“It is reported in the news media that there are calls for protest and counter-protest at the Lekki tollgate, slated for Saturday, February 13, 2021.
“The 1999 Constitution in Section 39 has granted to every person the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
“Nevertheless, I will like to plead most passionately that the protest and counter-protest be shelved, at least for now,” the lawyer stated.
He said that there is no basis to resume protest since the judicial panel of inquiry is still sitting and yet to make any finding or recommendations on the Lekki tollgate incident of October 20, 2020, except for the majority and dissenting decisions of February 6, 2021, which are all interlocutory.
“The alleged bloodshed, mayhem, repressions and violence of October 2020 in general, should not be encouraged to be repeated again.
“The Panels of Inquiry that were set up were all done in response to the EndSARS five for five demands. It will be good to await the decisions of these Panels.
“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.”
Adegboruwa said he was concerned about the consequences of protests and counter-protests, at the same location, particularly in relation to security and likely violation of COVID-19 protocols at a time when the second wave of the pandemic had partially grounded most economic, social, educational and other activities, especially in Lagos State.
He further stated: “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 therefore plead that the protest and counter-protest slated for Saturday February 13, 2021, or any other date, be put on hold to abide the final report of the Panel.”
The lawyer appealed to all security agencies to embrace caution and demonstrate utmost respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens.
Recall youth representatives at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Saturday had opposed the reopening of the facility arguing that such decision at this time would be hasty and premature.
The argument however did not sway the votes as the panel voted in favour of a return of the tollgate to the Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
