Nigeria failed to absorb vital lessons from #EndSARS protest, says Obi

Nigeria failed to absorb vital lessons from #EndSARS protest, says Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has pointed out that the Nigerian government has failed to learn the necessary lessons from the impactful #EndSARS protest that shook the nation in October 2020.

Reflecting on the anniversary of the Lekki Massacre that occurred in October 2020, Mr. Obi expressed his deep concern about the country’s regressive state on multiple fronts three years after the protest.

“We remember the passionate aspirations of our youth for a better nation and their quest for improved governance. Regrettably, our nation has not heeded the crucial lessons from that event. Instead, we continue to witness regression on various fronts,” remarked Mr. Obi.

The former governor of Anambra went further to urge authorities to investigate the reports suggesting that 15 protesters remain in custody three years after the protest.

“Sadly, a reputable international organization, Amnesty International, has reported that around 15 #EndSARS protesters are still detained, even three years after their initial arrests. I, therefore, call upon the appropriate authorities, be it at the state or federal level, to thoroughly investigate these prolonged detentions and take necessary measures to rectify the apparent injustices, ensuring that no one is wrongfully denied their freedom,” he added.

Amnesty International, in a report released on Friday, indicated that some protesters apprehended in 2020 are still being held in custody. Their findings shed light on the events at the Lekki tollgate, where Nigerian army personnel were alleged to have opened fire, contradicting the former government’s continued denials.