Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos will on Tuesday meet with President Muhammadu Buhari as protests against the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) turned violent on Monday.
Mr Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman Gboyega Akosile disclosed this in a statement hours after the governor addressed protesters in Lekki where crowds of youth camped and blocked the expressway.
Sanwo-Olu left the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council to preach decorum to people expressing grievances against the excessive use of force by SARS.
The governor told the demonstrators that their protest was legitimate, but pleaded with them not to block the roads while passing on their grievances to the authorities.
Sanwo-Olu said he identified with the EndSARS campaigners, noting that their agitations touched the essence of democratic freedom.
He said citizens must never be denied the right to protest, but urged the protesters not to employ wrong methods to drive home their message.
“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.
The governor praised the courage of the protesters and urged them not to block the key road.
His intervention was, however, resisted by the crowd who shouted him down.
The protesters rebuffed pleas to open the road and demanded the physical presence of President Buhari.
At least one person was confirmed dead by the Lagos police during the protest on Monday.
