#EndSARS: Hours To White Paper Release, Sanwo-Olu Asks Lagosians To Shun ‘Belief Without Verifiable Evidence’

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents of the state to shun those he described as agents of “anarchy” who are allegedly trying to cause commotion in the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the call shortly after delivering a state broadcast ahead of the release of a White Paper on the report submitted by the Lagos judicial panel on EndSARS.

The governor noted that mixed reactions had trailed the “unauthorised leak” of the 309-page document containing findings of the panel on the October 20, 2020 shooting incident at the Lekki Toll Gate.

The report had indicted the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Army in the alleged killing of several unarmed protesters at the toll gate.

Sanwo-Olu, however, said that it was necessary to enlighten the people on “the importance of ensuring harmony” following the uproar generated by the leaked report.

“…our State deserves true healing after the disturbances that trailed last year’s protests against police brutality. It is only the sustenance of harmony that can guarantee the realisation of aspirations of all residents,” Sanwo-Olu said in a social media post after the state broadcast.

“The State is currently faced with the hard choice of restoring harmony or doing itself a great harm. I appeal to Lagosians to reject those fueling anarchy and suspicion, clinging to unsubstantiated belief that carries no weight of verifiable evidence and choosing emotion over hard facts.

“Our administration is ready to facilitate better communication between the youths and the State’s security machinery to resolve issues before they become intractable,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further announced his plan to lead youths in the state on a peace walk in December in a bid to lay the foundation of healing following the Lekki shooting incident.

He said, “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.

“Let me reiterate that nobody will build this city for us. Let us show the world who we are. We are Lagosians. A people of great renown, driven by the irrepressible spirit of Lagos. It is a testimony to our strength and resilience as a people that, despite the huge losses incurred because of these terrible incidents, we have bounced back, with our economy as vibrant and virile as ever.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that our prospects are as bright as ever and the best lies ahead of Lagos State and Nigeria.”