The Governors of the 36 States have appealed for the call off of EndSars protests, raising alarm that hoodlums had hijacked the peaceful protests and maiming innocent persons.
The governors, while endorsing the demands of the protesters for improved governance, noted that continuation of the protest would expose the fragile economy of the country to further threats.
They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) held on Sunday and signed by the Chairman of the forum and Ekiti Governor, Kayode Fayemi.
The meeting which deliberated on the nationwide, condemned the attack on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State by armed persons while he was addressing anti-police brutality protesters in the state capital Osogbo.
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According to the communique, the governors resolved to encourage the protesters to engage with the government appropriately at both the national and state level to ensure that the protests are not taken over by hoodlums who are instigating a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the country.
“Activate a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to receive all cases of police brutality by officers of the
disbanded SARS Unit. Each State is also expected to kickstart a compensation mechanism for all victims.
“Endorse the call by demonstrators for improved governance predicated on an enforcement regime that takes into cognizance the fundamental human rights and liberties of all citizens in the country;
“Act on all the demands made by the EndSARS protesters raising some concerns with the shifting nature of the demands which creates uncertainty on the exact expectations and ultimate goal;
“Finally, appeal for the call off of protests as a continuation grossly exposes the fragile economic fundamentals of the country; particularly as criminal elements and hoodlums have hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties.”
