SARS: Protests persist in Lagos, others, Sanwo-Olu to meet Buhari

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says he is ready to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, as he identifies with the protests against the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The governor said this on Monday while addressing the protesters in Lekki, where scores of youths blocked the expressway.

He urged them to be peaceful while expressing their grievances against the excessive use of force by SARS.

Sanwo-Olu was said to have left the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council and moved to address the EndSARS protesters.

Sanwo-Olu said he identified with the EndSARS campaigners, noting that their agitations touched the essence of democratic freedom.

The governor, however, urged the demonstrators not to block the roads while passing on their grievances to the authorities.

He stressed that the protesters should not employ wrong methods to drive home their message.

He said, “Your voice has been heard clearly and a clear pronouncement has been made on the activities of SARS. The operation has been dissolved by the police leadership and just a moment ago, Mr President addressed the nation on the issues you have raised.

“The President has said all SARS officers that are involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in human rights abuses will be brought to justice.

“My stance on this EndSARS is unmistakable and I have told you that we identify with this protest because you have legitimate concerns. I am saying it again here that this protest is in good faith. But, we must not be unruly when going out on a protest like this. We want you to be peaceful and decorous in expressing yourselves.”

Sanwo-Olu said he spoke with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, on Monday to outline the position of the Lagos State Government on police reforms, adding that he would visit President Buhari on Tuesday and present the demands of Lagos youths on the issues to him.