#ENDSARS: Nigerian youths threaten fresh protest in Lagos over judgement by judicial panel

Nigerian youth are considering conducting fresh protests following the recent ruling of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry to allow the Lekki Concession Company to repossess the Lekki Toll Plaza. Evans Ufeli, a constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, shared his insights on the matter during an interview on CNBC Africa. Ufeli expressed his disappointment with the decision of the panel, emphasizing that it was insensitive to the victims of the #ENDSARS protests that took place in October 2020. He highlighted that those affected by the protest, including those who lost their lives, sustained injuries, or are still grieving, have not received adequate compensation. The move to allow the concession company to take back the toll plaza while investigations are ongoing seemed ill-timed and lacking in empathy. The lawyer criticized the panel for not prioritizing the needs of the victims and instead siding with the company, which raised concerns among stakeholders and observers. He stressed the importance of justice and logical solutions in such cases of national significance, calling for a more balanced and sensitive approach to address the grievances of the affected individuals. In response to questions about legal avenues available to the victims, Ufeli cited relevant sections of international and domestic laws that protect citizens' rights to life and the enforcement of fundamental rights. He mentioned that apart from the judicial panel, individuals have the option to bring legal actions in high courts to seek justice for the violations they have experienced. Private citizens can also act on behalf of affected persons to ensure accountability and redress in cases of human rights abuses. The potential resurgence of protests in Lagos reflects the unresolved issues stemming from the #ENDSARS movement and the need for a more comprehensive and victim-centered approach to addressing the aftermath of the protests. The quest for justice and accountability remains a driving force for many Nigerian youths, who are determined to seek redress for the injustices that occurred during the protests last year.