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As President Buhari unveiled the largest rice pyramid in the world on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, the prevailing message of the event was an increase in local rice production and cheaper rice for Nigerians.
The ennobled #ENDSARs protests came to a grinding and violent halt on the night of October 20th when soldiers opened fire on the crowd of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. Or at least this is the version of the incident that the people tell while the defence apparatus in the country has countered this narrative with several, changing versions of their view of the incident.
A recent Dataphyte analysis questioned the outcome and implementation of government-mandated Judicial panels of inquiry, following EndSARS demonstrations. Today, however, we observe seven states neglected to even take said first steps.
The Senate petitions the Executive for 1% of VAT to aid reconstruction following EndSARS destruction. Elsewhere, we continue with investigations into Fashola, who keeps digging his hole. Travelling to the US remains unchanged.
Trailing the EndSARS conversation tells a tale of neglect to Nigerians and law enforcement, with the number of petitions as an indicator of indiscretions from the latter. Yes, government mandated Judicial panels of inquiry are first steps. But implementation and duration will tell the rest.
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INFOGRAPHICS: Duration of Inquiry for Judicial Panels on Police Brutality
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INFOGRAPHICS: Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Acts of Police Brutality
Earlier this month, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, surmised it was hoodlums dressed as soldiers, not the Army that shot EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate
Following what we described as a ragtag game of it wasn’t me between state officials, the President’s stern icebreaker seems to have birthed another dimension to the EndSARS chants. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to call them that anymore
What started as a clamour for an end to police brutality (#EndSars) and an overhaul of the entire policing system in Nigeria has taken an additional dimension. Protesters have added to their demands, an end to bad governance (#EndBadGovernanceinNigeria). With the protests not likely to end soon, what can we glean from the youths’ commitment and government’s reactions as we forge ahead?
For many, the #EndSARS demonstrations are a chance to vent out frustrations long overdue; but a closer look reveals a solidarity reminiscent of our founding fathers. A unity beyond ethnicity, race or sect. Now whether it achieves its desired outcome or becomes yet another hashtag… most uncertain.
Trailing the #ENDSARS movement showcases a bar for spontaneity; starting out as a series of benign agitations, then turning into full scale demonstrations. It, however, has not been without its casualties, which according to findings keep escalating.
Some 24 hours have passed since Lekki Massacre, now federal authorities are engaged in a game of tag, who did it. But there’s one voice the nation awaits for clarification.
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