Sequel to the mass killings of the #EndSARS protesters across the country, some federal lawmakers on Wednesday initiated the process for the demand for justice for the departed victims.
The 35 lawmakers in a jointly signed statement demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari call the security agents to order and stop shooting at harmless protesters demanding a new Nigeria.
Read full statement below:
We the undersigned are legislators committed to setting agenda for progressive laws in Nigeria; initiating progressive laws and speaking against anti-people bills in the National Assembly.
We have followed carefully the #ENDSARS protest by young people across Nigeria for the past two weeks and the killings in several cities including Jos, Kaduna, Abuja, Benin and Lagos.
We note that in the recent past, this has been the most elaborate protest that has united young Nigerians across geography, ethnic nationality and religion.
We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as a result of frustration by Nigerian youths who have seen governments at all level fail to provide public goods and opportunities for them to lead a meaningful life.
We recognise that over the years, socio-economic indicators in Nigeria have remained precarious. The Fragile states index has consistently classified Nigeria among the 15 worst states that are failing across the world.
We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a democratic society.
We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed, defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off. We call on the President to give an immediate order to all security agencies to stop shooting at protesters.
We condemn this action by government and security agencies. This is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. There is no justification whatsoever for security officials who are paid with tax payers’ money to kill unarmed protesters.
We call on the President to address the nation and take concrete actions to respond to the demand of the protesters. He should commit in words and action to respect and protect the right to protest. He should publicly invite the leaders of the protesters to an urgent dialogue while assuring them of their safety and that outcomes would be expeditiously implemented.
We demand that the perpetrators of this dastardly act and all those who gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable manner. We ask the President to immediately identify all the officers involved and prosecute them for murder.
We also condemn the attack and burning of properties of innocent citizens and government.
We call on government to respond expeditiously to demand of the protesters and other lingering issues of addressing the security architecture of the country and addressing revelations of corruption in many government agencies.
As patriots, we will not keep quiet while the country is plunged into crisis under any guise.
A stitch in time saves nine!
Signed
Sen. Olu Adetunmbi, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Senator Tolu Odebiyi, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Senator (Dr) Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, OON, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Francis Waive, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Peter Akpatason, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Umeoji Chukwuma, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Kingsley Chinda, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon(Dr). Francis Ottah Agbo, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Unyime Idem, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Segius Ogun, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Preye Oseke, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. (Barr) Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Bamidele Salam, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Dennis Idahosa, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Benjamin Bem Mzondu, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Taiwo Olukemi Oluga, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Ben Kalu, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Amos Magaji, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon (Dr) Olododo Cook Abdulganiyu Saka, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Olubukola Oyewo, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Oluyole, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Wole Oke, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Miriam Onuoha, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
