Published 20th Nov, 2021

By Emmanuel Uti

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an African pro-democracy and research think tank, has warned against attempts to discredit the report of the Lagos State Judicial Panel on Restitution for the Victims SARS-Related Abuses and Other Matters.

In a statement signed by its director, Idayat Hassan, CDD said despite the transparent inquiry, attempts are being made to cast doubt on the credibility of the report, with some alleging that it is fraught with irregularities.

“Twitter is already ridden with antagonists of the report who have publicly expressed their reservations about the recommendations in the report,” CDD said.

The organisation advised Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, to ensure his government’s white paper report does not “override the objective of addressing key social justice issues that the report sought to address”.

“He should do well to publish the report and implement all the recommendations in it. The victims have waited a whole year. It is time to heal the wounds and provide closure for the victims. He should pitch his tent on the side of justice and for the people,” the report stated.

CDD also implored the federal government to reform the police in order to prevent future abuses, as monetary compensation for victims of the #EndSARS protest is not enough.

“Prosecution of the erring police and army officers found culpable is equally not enough, as those extrajudicially killed can never be brought back. But we can do a whole lot by preventing the reoccurrence of lawlessness in the future,” it said.

On Monday, the Lagos #EndSARS Panel released a 309-page report which revealed that there was “contextual massacre” at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2020.

The report indicated that contrary to misguided statements that hoodlums hijacked the protest, it was peaceful at the tollgate before soldiers arrived and shot at peaceful protesters.

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