The South West group of All Progressives Congress (APC) young professionals has condemned Lekki shooting and called on members of National Assembly to commence restructuring process that will bring about devolution of powers for states in areas of security and resource control.
The group made the call through a communique issue at the end of emergency virtual meeting held on the state of the nation.
The group said owing to the continued state of unrest that has pervaded the country, the South West and particularly Lagos State in the past few days, concerned members of the South West All Progressives Congress (APC) Young Professionals called for an emergency meeting in order to appraise the issues and proffer solutions for the way forward. Concerned South West APC Young Professionals after extensive deliberations, hereby state as follows:
“That we condemn in its entirety the deployment of the Military and the subsequent shootings which took place at the Lekki Toll gate venue of the End SARS protest on Tuesday, 20th 0ctober, 2020. We demand that justice is not only done but seen to be manifestly done to investigate the occurrences of that night and prosecute those found culpable in applying excessive force against unarmed protesters.
“That we in the same vein condemn the actions of miscreants, arsonists, hoodlums and certain misguided elements who took advantage of the situation to wreak havoc on public and private property in Lagos State and other parts of the South West.
“We hereby passionately appeal to all legitimate peaceful protesters to engage the government at all levels on the demands currently being addressed at the state and federal levels. It is important to note that while advocates have adopted a ‘no-leader’ approach, it is only pragmatic that they nominate representatives who would be their eyes and ears as government implements our collective demands for police reform.
“We call on all party leaders, traditional rulers and respected elders in Yorubaland to stand up and defend the South West against the carnage, desecration and wanton destruction of our economic, infrastructural and physical wellbeing as a pivotal part of the Nigerian Federation.
“We call on all political office holders, particularly members of the legislature to immediately support and kickstart the process of restructuring the Nigerian state through a thorough and long overdue amendment of the 1999 constitution, with emphasis on the devolution of powers to states particularly in the areas of security (State Police) and resource control. A situation in which a State Governor is helpless in quelling unrest in his State because the security apparatus is not under his control is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.
“We call on His Excellency President Muhamadu Buhari to expedite action on the various holistic reform programs already designed for the Nigerian Police by the Federal Government. The welfare of police officers should also be prioritised.
“Finally, we commiserate with all Nigerians who have lost loved ones, property and had their general wellbeing and livelihood threatened. We call on all Nigerians to stand together as a peaceful and united people”.
