Policemen acting on the order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila Wednesday foiled the bold move of the EndSARS demonstrators from marching into the National Assembly complex.
The protesters, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, were heading towards the perimetre gate of the complex on the first anniversary of the EndSARS memorial protest before they were intercepted near the Eagles Square. The procession subsequently reassembled at Unity Fountain along Shehu Shagari Way, Maitama, where they had their protest that was peaceful.
The presence of policemen, the military and members of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in large numbers prevented the protest from turning violent. The demonstrators, who were dressed in black outfits to reflect the mood of the memorial, had the bold slogan: “We will Not Forget 2010 20 Lekki Massacre”.
They also carried several anti-government placards some reading: “The Liberator Generation is Here”, “You Can’t Kill Nobody”, “We Can’t Be the Future of the Nation if We are Dead,” among others.
There was also a pro-government group of protesters at Unity Fountain denying that there was a shooting at Lekki. Sowore later vowed that the protesters would hold a candle-lit procession on Wednesday evening in honour of the victims of Lekki shooting.
