The convener of Indigenous People of Nigeria (IPN), Mazi Dickson Iroegbu in this chat bares his mind on the EndSARS report that was recently released in Lagos State. Excerpts:
The Lagos panel has just submitted the report on EndSARS. What is your reaction?
It goes to confirm that this government has no iota of integrity. This government thrives on falsehood and propaganda. We had young Nigerians singing the national anthem and waving the flag and Buhari sent soldiers to shoot and kill them at the Lekki tollgate. They forget that you can’t hide pregnancy forever. It shows that this government is actually behind the terrorism that is going on in Nigeria.
You describe the Lekki shooting as terrorism?
Yes, of course. This is state sponsored terrorism. It is genocide. Who gave the order? It is the Commander in Chief. His conscience is pricking him and he will not get away with it. Buhari cannot answer questions on EndSARS. Those lives will not be wasted in vain. The violence that ensued during the protest was state sponsored. I was in Berger bus stop Abuja when government thugs were vandalizing vehicles and attacking the protesters and the police was watching them. It is unfortunate that Buhari has been indicted for killing young Nigerians. This government must account for what happened under their watch.
The petition by Reno Omokri to bring Buhari to book did not include the governor of Lagos state?
Governor Sanwo-Olu cannot be held responsible because he can’t command the army. He has no such powers. He is not the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Buhari gave the order for that killing. But Sanwo Olu should cover his face in shame for supervising the shooting of innocent protesters in his state. He should apologize to Lagosians and Nigerians
There are calls for resignation of Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information?
Lai Mohammed is a shameless man. He has been lying all these while about Lekki Massacre. His resignation is not expected even if Nigerians invade his ministry to force him. He is saying that there were no facts about soldiers shooting protesters. He even threatened CNN a reputable media organization with sanctions for the report on Lekki toll gate killings. He is the liar in chief of Buhari’s government.
Have you experienced police brutality?
Yes, I have been brutalized by the DSS and police at Nnamdi Kanu’s trial because I came to court with my traditional Igbo attire. My legs were shattered. It is very unfortunate that we degenerated to this level where the lives of cows matter more than human beings. Lai Mohammed and Muhammadu Buhari defend cows more than the citizens. Buhari should know that his days are numbered and he will account for all the wrongs he did to Nigerians. He has few months to go. Every day Nigerians are experiencing police brutality while bandits and terrorists are left to unleash mayhem. Buhari is running a terrorist government. It has been confirmed by the EndSARS panel in Lagos. Look at what is happening to the South East. It is clearly a state sponsored terrorism.
What is the solution to these national issues?
The solution is that Nigerians should never be cowered. They should never be afraid to express themselves and demand for our rights. We commend Nnamdi Kanu and we stand with him and will not allow the government to find him guilty for a crime he did not commit. The struggle to salvage Nigeria is a collective responsibility. As 2023 approaches, I reiterate that there is need to bring political justice, equity and fairness to the table. Power must shift to South East Nigeria. Any northern that wants power retained in the north after what we have passed through, does not mean well for Nigeria. We cannot reinforce failure after Buhari’s ineptitude. The northerners must reflect at this time and re-examine whether they have not set Nigeria back.
There are also calls for the resignation of the FCT Minister?
We don’t have a Minister in FCT Abuja. You can see that we just have a religious man occupying such a sensitive position. FCT is now a shadow of itself. There is insecurity and FCT has been invaded by terrorists. The call for his resignation is in order. It shows that Buhari and his co-travelers is the worst thing to happen to Nigeria since 1914. The Minister of FCT has failed woefully. He and Buhari havea nothing to offer.
