All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain in Kwara State, Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal, on Wednesday said the occasion of his birthday is coming at a time that calls for sober reflection and prayer.
He said a time like this required a sharp focus on supporting the struggle for system change and demand for better policing and governance in the country.
Lawal said this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
He condemned the killings of peaceful protesters, adding that the use of live ammunition is totally unwarranted.
The former gubernatorial aspirant, therefore, prayed for the soul of those killed – and sound health for the injured – as a result of the ongoing “struggle”.
The statement partly read, “My heart goes out to all my brave brothers and sisters. This struggle for true change in our system, as well as the demand for genuine police reforms and accountability on the part of our government will not be easy, but worthy causes seldom come easy, although I have faith that in the end, we shall overcome and our Nation will by the grace of God yield its true promise of prosperity, fairness, justice and equity.
“It takes a lot of courage to be the voice of the voiceless in the face of overwhelming intimidation, it is evident that there is a lot to learn from all of those brave souls on the frontlines, they have shown great leadership and effective organisation skills that we can all learn from. The protesters have been able to organise food, medical supplies, transportation and communication on a scale that is truly inspiring and impressive.
“All the efforts of those involved in the protest have been utterly selfless, without the expectation of any personal gain, the protesters help and support the vulnerable, whilst also being conscious enough to clean up after themselves. I see all that, and I can boldy and truly say that “there is hope” for the future of Nigeria.
“As for those who attack peaceful protesters in the hopes of casting dark clouds over this brave, selffless and righteous quest, I advice and implore them to stay on the side of truth and justice, for this struggle is as much for their benefits. I implore you not to be swayed by inducements (financial or otherwise), which will bring only temporary benefits with no long lasting results.”
Protesters reportedly shot dead in Lagos
THE INFORMANT247 correspondent reported that a number of protesters have reportedly been shot dead or wounded in Lagos.
Witnesses and the rights group Amnesty International said several people were killed and wounded when soldiers opened fire on Tuesday evening.
The state governor said about 25 people had been wounded but only one person had died.
Lagos imposes curfew
An indefinite 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Lagos and other regions.
Protests over a now-disbanded police unit – the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) – have been taking place for two weeks, with demonstrators using the social media hashtag #EndSars to rally crowds.
No curfew in Kwara yet, says govt
The Kwara State Government had earlier on Wednesday dispelled rumours of imposing curfew across the state, as widely reported by some mainstream media.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye disclosed this rebuttal to THE INFORMANT247 in a telephone conversation on Wednesday morning.
Ajakaye said no curfew is imposed yet, adding that the govt had contacted The Nation newspaper – that earlier published the report – to make necessary amendment.
For his part, the state police spokesperson, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, also debunked the report, saying “everyone can go about his or her normal businesses”.
