Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is set to meet President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa over ongoing EndSARS protests in the state.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a tweet on Monday evening, hours after policemen reportedly shot at protesters in Surulere area of the state, leaving at least one person dead.
The governor had joined the protest at the Lekki Toll Gate earlier in the day and assured the protesters that their concerns were being addressed.
“You have spoken well and loud. One of the things we have said is that we need to do a full police reform,” the governor had told the protesters.
In follow-up tweets with photos of him at the protest ground, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today.
“The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides. Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja.
“As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.
“I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom. Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.
“A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation.
“All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.
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“My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.
“I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring.
“We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
“Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.
“We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.
“I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow.
“Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.
“I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.”