The 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bayo Adelabu has condemned the killing of peaceful protesters in Lekki on Tuesday night.
OYOINSIGHT.COM recalls that protesters in Lekki were shot by ‘military men’ while singing the national anthem.
Adelabu, in a press statement on Wednesday, described the actions of the military men as an unacceptable one.
He maintained that citizens, in every democratic state, have the right to protest, peacefully.
He noted that even though hoodlums have hijacked the protest in some parts of the country, this does not justify the killing of harmless citizens.
He also urged the government to urgently commence an investigation into the events of Tuesday night.
His statement read: “In light of what is currently happening in the country and the unacceptable use of force against peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Lekki by the military, my heart bleeds and I condemn this act in its entirety.
“It is the inalienable right of every citizen to use peaceful protest as a tool to express their legitimate concern to the government.
“In an electoral democracy like ours, peaceful protest provides an essential voice for the masses and serve as a vital line of communication between the government and its citizens.
“It is totally unacceptable for any government to order the killing of its citizens while exercising their constitutional rights.
“Although, it is evident that the peaceful protest has been hijacked by hoodlums and opportunistic looters taking advantage of the protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens and residents of the states; but it is the responsibility of the government to separate the wheat from the chaff and ensure peaceful protesters are protected while law and order is maintained.
“There is absolutely no excuse for what has happened.
“I urge the Nigerian military to immediately cease the violent shooting of peaceful protesters while government engage the youths to find a lasting solution to the current situation.
“My heart goes out to all those who have lost loved ones in this senseless violence against unharmed peaceful protesters.
“The government must immediately commence an investigation into this dastardly act and unravel the mystery behind the Lekki massacre of 20-10-2020 and those found culpable must be made to face the law.
“The future of this country lies in the hands of our youths; we must not stifle their voices of concern or kill them while demanding a Nigeria of their dreams.”
