Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asked the EndSARS protesters in the State to embrace dialogue and be part of the implementation of the Police Reforms clamoured by them.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Monday during the swearing in of members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution at the State House in Marina.
He appealed to the protesting youths to leave the road and embrace dialogue for the resolution of their agitation.
He said: “We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police. The inauguration of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police.
“I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.
“Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.
“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”
Sanwo-Olu said he believed the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish task.
The Governor urged the protesters to be part of the process of implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, stressing that continuous blocking of roads, would slow down the procedure of implementing their demands.
He commended the resilience of the young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks.
Their tenacity, according to the governor, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.
On the judicial panel, Sanwo-Olu said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in police-citizen relationship.
He promised that the State Government would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.
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