Mr Macaroni: How FG can achieve closure on #EndSARS crisis

Mr Macaroni says justice is the only way the Nigerian government can achieve closure on the #EndSARS crisis.

In October 2020, army operatives had opened fire at unarmed protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.

A panel set up to probe the cases of police brutality recently listed 48 casualties of the #EndSARS protest.

It established, contrary to the federal government’s denial, that nine citizens died and four others went missing.

The panel said the killing of unarmed protesters at the tollgate could be described in the context of a “massacre”.

In a chat with Arise TV shortly after Lagos released a white paper on the recommendations of the judicial panel, the online comedian said anything aside from justice for the victims would not be accepted by Nigerians.

“What I think of the white paper? Recommendations were made by the panel. I expect that these recommendations are accepted; that the events of police brutality up until October 20, 2020, are formally acknowledged,” Mr Macaroni said.

“The recommendations, going from justice for victims; a public apology from the government; police reform and all of that, should be put in place. Anything contrary to what the panel has recommended will not cut it.

“It would simply mean that the government is not willing and ready t accept the reality of things. They just want to pretend as though nothing happened. What they’re simply telling us is that we should have a walk of peace.

“Will the walk of peace erase all that has happened? Will it change all that has happened to me personally? We need to sit down, accept the facts, and work on these facts. That’s what will cut it. Closure for me will be justice.”

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, had invited top entertainers, leading youth, and human rights activists who were the forerunners of last year’s #EndSARS protests to join him as he leads a “walk for peace” in December.

Falz, Mr. Macaroni, Seun Kuti, however, declined Sanwo-Olu’s invite.