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FILE PHOTO: #EndSARS protesters
As Nigerian youths commemorate the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest today, some of the activists who led the mass action have called for the full implementation of the reports submitted by various judicial panels of inquiry set up after the protests.
In October 2020, thousands of youths gathered in major cities across the country to peacefully protest the constant harassment, killings, and extortion by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian police.
The protest culminated at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, where several youths were reportedly killed, and many others severely injured following the intervention of the Nigerian military.
In the aftermath of the protests, judicial panels were set up across various states to assess and review the protesters’ demands.
However, almost four years later, protest leaders have expressed deep regret that many of the panels’ recommendations remained unimplemented.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Lagos Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Taofeek, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the killings of protesters. Taofeek also called for the release of all #EndSARS protesters who were unjustly imprisoned.
Another activist and lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, highlighted the lack of progress in police reforms, noting that widespread corruption, extortion, harassment, and illegal detentions remained prevalent.
“It is shameful that the Buhari administration left office without addressing the protesters’ demands,” he said.
Effiong also stressed the need for accountability, calling for the implementation of the findings from the judicial commissions of inquiry set up by both state and federal governments in the wake of the tragic events at Lekki Toll Gate.
He urged Nigerian youths to use this memorial as a rallying point to continue their demand for a better country, endorsing the memorial procession without reservation.
“We cannot live in a country where the government dictates what the people should protest for,” he added, reinforcing the legitimacy of citizens’ right to protest.
Commenting on the anniversary, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju said the government had failed to implement the necessary reforms four years after the #EndSARS protest.
Adeyanju stated, “Comrades across the country are planning to mark the anniversary, and we are not exempted.
“Our government must continue to respect human rights, listen to the people’s yearnings, and carry out relevant reforms, not just on police brutality but all forms of reforms that will improve the welfare of the citizenry.
“It is by doing this that the government will live up to its responsibilities, and citizens’ expectations from the government will be met.”
He added, “#EndSARS achieved its aim in terms of reawakening the consciousness of Nigerians, particularly the youth, but it has not succeeded in terms of reforms.
“This is not the fault of the organisers or Nigerians, but the government, which has been largely irresponsible. That’s why most of the reforms that were instituted have not been carried out. This is regrettable.”
