#ENDSARS Protests: Emotional Sanwo-Olu Begs For Calm, Meets Buhari Today

I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.

By Damola Emmanuel

After trying to calm protesting youths that ground Lagos to a halt, Monday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu heads to Abuja this morning to meet President Muhammadu Buhari ostensibly to consult with the President on the way forward.

Though the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, had, on Sunday, scrapped the contentious Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, which was the manifest objective of the protesting youths, the demonstrations escalated in Lagos on Monday resulting in the death of a policeman and a bystander, leaving two other cops seriously injured.

Not even the assurance by President Buhari that the scrapping of SARS was the beginning of comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, was enough to assuage the feelings of the protesters.

They swore to occupy the streets until their arrested colleagues are released, bereaved families of those murdered by members of the defunct SARS adequately compensated and their murderers brought to account.

In a tweet on his official Twitter handle, Governor Sanwo-Olu hinted that he would be travelling to Abuja this morning to hold talks with the President apparently to stop the situation from further degenerating.

I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.

The governor opened his avalanche of tweets on an emotional note, saying: “I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount. I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.

”We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.

“I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.

“My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.

“A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation. All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.

““I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom. Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.

“As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.

““I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today,” the governor said in one of the tweets. “The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides. Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja.”

Calling for calm, Sanwo-Olu appealed to some unruly youths who insulted him with sickening words on twitter. One even threatened to paint the streets of Lagos with the blood of police officers if those detained were not “released alive and well”.

But like a true father and a good leader that he is, Governor Sanwo-Olu brushed aside the insults and assured the unruly youth that detained protesters would be released Monday night.

“I am meeting with the Lagos CP,” the governor said. “Protesters will be released and broader issues will be addressed in my meeting with the President tomorrow. Let us take a break from protests tomorrow and give us a chance to take tangible next steps.

“The protesters will be released tonight. Their rights will not be violated. That, I assure you.”