On October 24, 2020, a former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, reacted to the #EndSARS protest, #LekkiTollgate killings and its aftermaths. He also refuted the reports that he ran away from the country while his son, Seyi, was kidnapped.
Tinubu, addressing the false claims, stated, "I didn't go nowhere; I'm a Lagosian and I still hold the title of Asiwaju of Lagos and I am still a Jagaban." He emphasized that fake news was rampant, dismissing rumors that his son had been kidnapped. "They say Seyi my son was kidnapped and was chased but look at him. I didn't pay a penny to bring him here."
While condemning the wanton killings, looting and destruction of properties, he noted that there was need to segregate those killed by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, before the protest and those killed during the protest itself. Again, he admitted that both the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu and the federal government were responsive enough as they swung into action to address the grievances raised by the protesters.
Tinubu's response came amid widespread speculation during the protests, which were marked by public outcry against police brutality and the infamous Lekki Toll Gate incident.
Other key events on this day
1. A 2-year-old girl was the first case of Ebola in Mali; the girl was brought to the country from Guinea after her mother's death - 2014
2. Over 250 people died as a result of the cholera outbreak in Haiti - 2010
3. Turkish diplomat shot dead in Paris - 1975
4. The Concorde made its final commercial flight - 2003
5. The United Nations was founded - 1945
6. Zambian gained independence from Britain - 1964
7. Coup occurred in Brazil and President Washington Luís deposed - 1930
8. World famous escape artist, Houdini, performed for the last time - 1926
9. Black Thursday": the start of stock market crash of 1929, Dow Jones industrial average dropped 12.8% - 1929
10. Man U beat Arsenal, 2-0 at Old Trafford; ending Gunners' Premier League record 49-game unbeaten streak - 2004
11. Pipe bombs were sent to prominent US Democrats including the Obamas, Clintons, John Brennan and CNN - 2018
12. Rishi Sunak replaced Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister - 2022.
Comments