#ENDSARS: Sanwo-Olu begs youths to vacate Lagos roads

Adefioye Iyunade

 Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to youths protesting police brutality to vacate Lagos roads and embrace dialogue for resolution of the issues.

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In his statement while swearing-in members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution at the State House in Marina, he explained that the government has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised.

According to the Governor, the Lagos State government has aside setting up the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, established a compensation funds for the victims of police brutality.

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Acknowledging that the pains expressed and concerns raised by protesters were genuine, the governor reminded the youths that federal and states governments have agreed to some of their demands, adding that processes have been set up to implement others.

He urged the protesters to be part of the process of implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, stressing that continuous blocking of roads, government and private offices would slow down the procedure of implementing their demands.

He said: “We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria 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. 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.”