By Gbenga Abulude (Politics & General Desk)
19 State Governors in the North
have condemned the attacks on #EndSARS protesters and the attendant destruction of lives and properties across the country.
The governors called on the Federal Government to inaugurate a judicial commission of enquiry to probe destruction and killings during the #EndSARS protest.
Recall that the military opened fire on peaceful #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza, injuring many and killing some of the protesters on Tuesday though there had been denials from the military and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on who ordered the directive to shoot unarmed protesters.
This development led to outrage and condemnation from Nigerians and some eminent personalities even as hoodlum went on rampage to destroy more government properties despite the curfews put in placed in some states.
Rising from an emergency meeting on Thursday in Kaduna State, the governors who commiserated with those that lost their lives during the protest said the #EndSARS protesters have the rights to a peaceful protest and to express themselves.
The Chairman of the governors’ forum and Plateau State governor, Mr Simon Lalong, who read the communiqué, urged FG to quickly put an end to the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.
The 15-point communique read in part, “The Forum regrets the diabolical influencers in form of hooliganism, ethno-religious bigots and even political marauders who are bent on pulling the nation down its knees and pushing for regime change.
“The Forum called on all Nigerians to resist these enemies of the nation by supporting Mr President, the Federal Government and democracy at large.
“Forum appeals to all citizens to restrain themselves from unwarranted disposition of sentiments, harassment and intimidation of other citizens resident in their home states. The Forum notes that all these are antics of the enemies of the country who are violently pushing for regime change outside the ballot box.”
The governors added that they had resolved to intensify their strategic engagements among different levels of stakeholders in their respective states, calling for police reforms.
“The Forum calls for comprehensive and robust reforms in the police force. She supports various initiatives put in place by the Federal Government and will ensure that they are fast track and given more impetus by the nineteen (19) Northern states.
“The Forum advocates for the Constitution of Judicial Commission of enquiry to investigate all levels of destruction and killings during the Endsars protest.
“Federal Government to explore the possibility of ending ASUU strike. Most of the youths are idle staying at home.”
