Governors of the 36 states under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) have appealed for the call-off of protests, saying a continuation grossly exposes the fragile economic fundamentals of the country.
A communiqué issued on Monday by NGF Chairman and Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi at the end of the 20th emergency Teleconference Meeting held on Sunday said criminal elements and hoodlums had hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties.
The meeting which deliberated on the nationwide protests, riots and demonstrations condemned the attack on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State by armed persons while he was addressing anti-police brutality protesters in the state capital, Osogbo.
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The governors encouraged the protesters to engage with the government appropriately at both the national and state level to ensure that the protests were not taken over by hoodlums who were instigating a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the country.
The governors also agreed to activate a Judicial Panel of Enquiry to receive all cases of police brutality by officers of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Unit, adding that each State is expected to start a compensation mechanism for all victims.
They also endorsed the call by demonstrators for improved governance predicated on an enforcement regime that takes into cognizance the fundamental human rights and liberties of all citizens in the country.
The governors further agreed to act on all the demands made by the #EndSARS protesters but raised some concerns with the shifting
nature of the demands which creates uncertainty on the exact expectations and ultimate goal.
