Channels Television reports that the EndSARS protest dispute has taken a new turn after well-known human rights attorney Femi Falana claimed that the government was responsible for the violence that marred the demonstrations.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Speaking on a popular political program, Falana stated, “The violence that greeted the EndSARS protest was instigated by the government.” His comments have reignited debates about the true nature of the unrest that shook Nigeria in October 2020, as young Nigerians took to the streets to demand the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), notorious for its brutality and human rights abuses.
The EndSARS movement, which began peacefully, saw thousands of young people protesting against police brutality and calling for broader reforms in the country’s governance. However, the demonstrations quickly turned violent, resulting in numerous casualties, including the tragic Lekki Toll Gate incident where unarmed protesters were reportedly shot by security forces.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a well-known defender of human rights, argued that the government’s failure to address the protesters’ demands in a timely and sincere manner exacerbated the situation. He claimed that agents provocateurs were deployed to disrupt the peaceful protests, leading to widespread chaos and destruction of property.
“The government, instead of engaging the protesters constructively, chose to use force and intimidation,” Falana remarked. “This approach only served to escalate tensions and provoke violent reactions.”
His comments have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the EndSARS movement have welcomed Falana’s stance, seeing it as a validation of their claims that the government’s heavy-handed response was responsible for the violence. On the other hand, government officials have dismissed his assertions, arguing that the violence was a result of criminal elements hijacking the protests.
In response to Falana’s claims, the Nigerian government reiterated its position that it had acted in the interest of public order and safety. A government spokesperson stated, “We have always maintained that while the right to protest is fundamental, it must be conducted within the bounds of the law. The unfortunate incidents of violence were carried out by miscreants who took advantage of the situation.”
The EndSARS protests, which captured global attention, have had lasting impacts on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. While the movement succeeded in drawing attention to the issues of police brutality and governance, the question of accountability for the violence and the deaths remains a contentious issue.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>