Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has expressed concern over the violence that marred the 2020 protests, deviating from the peaceful nature of previous demonstrations. Speaking during a Zoom meeting with the Inspector General of Police and other stakeholders, Falana shared his 40-year experience in participating in protests, emphasizing that organizers never intended to cause mayhem or carnage.
In the Video which was shared by Channels Television, Falana highlighted the 2012 protest where 12 people were killed, despite its peaceful nature. He contrasted this with the 2020 protest, which remained peaceful for two weeks, earning international commendation. However, violence erupted in Abuja and Lagos, perpetrated by thugs, whom Falana alleged are sponsored by known individuals.
The human rights lawyer emphasized that these thugs are often referred to as “hoodlums” during protests but are called “thugs” during elections, implying a political motive. Falana’s statement suggests that the violence was orchestrated, and he urged the authorities to address this issue.
“Personally, I have take parts in protests, for not less than 40 years and on no occasion did the organizers of protest set out to cause mayhem or carnage as we witnessed unfortunately in 2020. In 2012, about 12 people write killed in what was a very peaceful protest. What happened in 2020 was very unfortunate. For two weeks, the young people had their protest and the the entire world including the United States Secretary General, commended the peaceful nature of the protest, unfortunately in Abuja and Lagos, thugs, some of them well-known unleased violence on the protesters”
“Those who are called hoodlums during protests are called thugs during election and we know their sponsors, we know their promoters” He said….Sêe_Morē