Nigerian lawyer Inibehe Effiong has unequivocally stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari is responsible for the tragic shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020. In an emotional interview on ARISE NEWS, Effiong made these claims on the four-year anniversary of the incident, which resulted in the deaths of several peaceful protesters.
Effiong, who represented victims at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry, emphasized that the responsibility for the events of that night falls squarely on Buhari, who served as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces at the time. He stated, “For me, Muhammadu Buhari ordered it. He was the commander-in-chief when the massacre happened. By law, constitutionally, the president is expected to have given a directive.”
He highlighted that violence erupted after armed thugs, allegedly with political connections, infiltrated the peaceful protests. Effiong reiterated his stance, invoking Section 218 of the Nigerian Constitution, which designates the president as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, thereby placing accountability on Buhari for the actions taken that night.
During the panel’s proceedings, Effiong noted that a military general admitted to having communicated with the Lagos State governor on that fateful evening. Despite the panel’s conclusion that a massacre had indeed occurred, the Lagos State government dismissed these findings in its official white paper. However, Effiong pointed out the contradiction in the state’s actions: the government later offered 100 million naira to the families of those killed and injured, which he argues implicitly acknowledges their involvement.
He stated, “On the day the military testified, the general admitted under oath that he had a communication with the governor. After the panel found that a massacre took place, the Lagos State government rejected this conclusion in their white paper. Yet, they went behind and offered 100 million naira to the families of deceased persons and those who sustained injuries, which is an admission of their hand in the tragedy.”
Effiong questioned the rationale behind deploying armed forces to the protest scene, emphasizing the clear evidence of violence. He stated, “The videos are there. They cannot tell us not to believe our eyes. This is a question of accountability.” He expressed frustration over the lack of arrests, particularly noting that a notorious thug seen attacking protesters has not been apprehended.
Despite the challenges, Effiong remains hopeful for eventual justice. “I believe the judgment of history will hold them accountable. A time will come when this accountability question will have to be answered, and people will pay for it. Buhari will have to be held accountable, and those military leaders who directed the shooting at Nigerians will face trial and imprisonment for their roles in the massacre,” he asserted.
As the anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate massacre approaches, Effiong’s statements underscore the ongoing calls for accountability and justice for the victims of the #EndSARS protests.