The Lagos State Government has released the White Paper on the #EndSARS Panel of Inquiry report that probed the Lekki toll gate incident of October 20, 2020.
According to the government, 11 out of the 32 recommendations made by the panel have been accepted, 6 were accepted with modifications, while one was rejected.
The state government rejected the panel’s report that nine persons were killed at the toll gate when soldiers stormed the protest ground to disperse the young protesters. It described the claim of the panel that nine persons were shot dead as “assumptions and speculations”.
In the 24-page document, the state government also says 14 of the recommendations fall outside the powers of the state and will consequently be forwarded to the Federal Government for consideration.
A leaked version of the report had indicted the Nigerian Army and the Lagos State Government in the killing of unarmed protesters and a subsequent cover-up of the incident at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
After the panel submitted its findings to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, he set up a four-member committee led by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), giving them two weeks to raise the White Paper on the reports submitted by the panel.
At a press briefing earlier today, the Governor said the leakage was “regrettable”.
“While I commend the panel for undertaking its task to the best of its abilities, it is however regrettable that the panel’s work and the leakage of an unauthorized version of the report have generated much tension. Sadly, a deep wound has been reopened,” he added.
The governor, however, assured Lagosians that his administration remains committed to justice and truth.
Speaking further, he announced that he had initiated a peace walk as part of efforts to ensure harmony in the state.
“To quicken recovery and engender a better understanding, I will lead ‘A Walk for Peace’ in December to herald the healing of the land.
“I have extended an open invitation to the youths, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students and the media, as well as other stakeholders to join me in this peace walk,” Sanwo-Olu said.
