Former Governors Forum of Nigeria has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a panel to investigate what led to the killing of #ENDSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate.
The call was made in a statement jointly issued in Abuja by the Forum’s Chairman, former Governor of Niger State, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and the Secretary Prof. Tunde Esan, on Thursday.
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The Forum said, the security response to the agitation of ENDSARS movement precipitated the unfolding scenario of “anarchy” and “violence” in the country.
The ex-governors, suggested after serious deliberation that, ” An address by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to the citizens, addressing the issues raised. Statesmanship and empathy cannot be downplayed in critical situation like we are.
“Setting up of high powered Panel of Inquiry by the Federal Government, involving critical stakeholders to unravel the forces behind the unfortunate incident.
“Critical evaluation and self assessment on the part of government, to examine the key factors responsible for anger in the land. Be it social, economic and political. We believe the spontaneous reactions goes beyond agitation against a single security agency. End-SARS Movement appears to be a trigger.
“Finally Former Governors Forum, appeals to all Nigerians to eschew bitterness, avoid fanning ethnic animosities, and stop violence. We are all losers if we don’t.
“The government of the day confront an historic moment , to shape history for the betterment of all Nigerians, by listening, we appeal to the President to seize the moment,” according to the statement.
The forum also commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones in all parts of Nigeria.