#EndSARS: Justice Must Prevail For Victims And Perpetrators Of Lekki Killings – ECOSOCC

The civil society organ of the African Union, Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has begged the Federal Government and the protesters to reach an agreement peacefully amid the #EndSARS protests.

ECOSOCC recently revealed that this will go a long way in preventing more loss of lives in the country when the curfew is lifted.

According to ECOSOCC Chairperson, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Nigeria is an integral part of the African Union, so the nation has to promote the principles and ideals of good governance and human rights in Africa.

He added that justice for victims and perpetrators after the Lekki Toll Gate killings must be guaranteed as well.

His words, “Nigeria has a significant role to play in the fortification of the founding principles of a people-centered and people-driven African Union as elaborated in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, and other regional and global human rights instruments.”

“Urge the governing authorities to restore conditions allowing for citizens to peacefully protest and express themselves on issues affecting the safety and well-being of Nigerians; and to do so without fear of retribution, confrontation, or violence that could lead to the loss of life and destruction of property.

“Encourage all parties, including the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protesting citizens, to come together around the table of dialogue and to act, in good faith, to swiftly and peacefully resolve the current impasse in order to prevent any further fragmentation of the national fabric.

“Urge the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to reinforce and expedite the work of the various committees of inquiry established to look into the issue of police brutality in order to restore the confidence of citizens in the institutions of state;

“Call for a thorough, fair, and independent investigation of reports and video footage appearing to show the shooting of unarmed protesters by uniformed personnel; and to ensure justice for victims and perpetrators alike.”