Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the decision of his government on the #EndSARS panel will be guided by the strength of evidence rather than emotions or politics.
Sanwo-Olu, in a live broadcast to citizens of Lagos State, says it was regrettable that the leaked report of the #EndSARS panel which was released about two weeks ago, has generated bitter feelings among Nigerians.
Sanwo-Olu also tacitly countered Lai Mohammed who discredited members of the #EndSARS panel, rather, he says they were people of an outstanding character whose track records prove that.
Sanwo-Olu recalls that the panel was set up to uncover the truth behind the shooting at Lekki in addition to investigating the brutality of the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and recommend compensation to victims.
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Sanwo-Olu says based on the panel’s recommendations, the state has paid over N400 million as compensation to victims of SARS abuses.
Sanwo-Olu also says that no member of the panel could say that the state government tried to influence their work. He said he holds members of the panel in high esteem and would act based on the weight of evidence.
Sanwo-Olu also tacitly responded to the Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo, who says that the panel’s work was illegal because states have no powers to investigate the military or police activities. He says: “I have not been in any doubt of the campaigners and protesters. The federal government accepted all the demands of the protesters. National Executive Committee (NEC) recommended the establishment of a panel.”