Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has been called out by the House of Representatives Minority Caucus.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu, the report by the Lagos Judicial panel set up to investigate the shooting of unarmed demonstrators at the Lekki toll gate was sufficient justification for Mohammed’s resignation or expulsion.
“After a thorough review of the report of the Lagos State EndSARS judicial panel, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives holds that the attempt by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cover up the now confirmed bloody massacre of Nigerian youths by security forces at the Lekki Tollgate suggests a high-level state-backed conspiracy against Nigerians,” the statement read.
“The Lagos Panel’s confirmation that there was a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate during the 2020 EndSARS protests in Lagos, and that APC government-controlled security forces carted bodies away and cleaned up evidence, places a huge burden on the Federal Government, which had vehemently denied any killings.”
“The Minority caucus is therefore concerned as to what nefarious motive compelled the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who ought to know the truth, to rush to the media, ahead of the judicial panel, to insist that no killings occurred at Lekki Tollgate, despite witness testimony.”
“While the APC-led administration’s proclivity for lying to Nigerians on issues is legendary and well-known, our caucus is shocked that the administration can lie in a matter involving the gruesome killing of citizens, particularly our youths, and even attempt to provide official cover to the perpetrators.”
“As representatives of the people, the minority caucus believes that the assassination of our young people for having the audacity to demand justice, rule of law, and good governance in our country is the height of wickedness, and that the APC and its administration will be haunted until justice is served.”
“The Lagos panel’s report demonstrates that, no matter how hard lies and deceit strive to win, the truth always wins out in the end.” The blood of the innocents slaughtered at Lekki Tollgate cries out for justice, and their killers, as well as those who support or cover up the terrible crime, will not be spared.”
“As a result, the Minority Caucus urges on the APC-led administration to come clean about the killings as well as the cover-up efforts.” Also, as a result of the Lagos panel’s conclusions, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, is anticipated to resign or be sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
“Our caucus applauds the Lagos panel’s courage in seeking truth and justice, and asks any panels probing charges of violence in other states not to be discouraged, but to guarantee that the truth is not repressed.”
“While sympathizing with the victims of the Lekki Tollgate attack, particularly the families of those killed, the Minority Caucus urges Nigerians to remain calm at this critical time, as we will leave no stone unturned in using our legislative instruments to join forces with other well-meaning Nigerians to get justice for our people,” the Minority Caucus said.
