Lekki Tollgate Report: Nigerian Traditional Ruler Reacts To Amnesty International Claims, Says ‘It Doesn’t Run This Country’

A prominent Traditional ruler in Osun State, Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama has faulted Amnesty International claims over the incident that happened at Lekki Toll Gate during EndSARS protest , saying that the foreign Organisation does not run the country and was wrong in its report.

Oba Makama said this while reacting to the claims by the Amnesty International that it had uncovered the movement of military men from the barracks to Lekki Tollgate, where peaceful #EndSARS protesters were shot at on Tuesday, October 20.

CityMirrorNews had reported that Amnesty International, on Wednesday, released a report entitled “Nigeria: The Lekki Toll Gate massacre — new investigative timeline”.

In the report, the rights group chronicled the movement of soldiers from a barracks till they got to the tollgate, where flag-waving and the National Anthem-singing #EndSARS protesters were shot at.

Earlier, it had claimed that about 12 persons were killed in the shooting, which precipitated the looting spree across the country.

But, Olowu of Kuta called for a probe of the Amnesty International for announcing that it tracked troops of the Nigerian Army from Bonny Camp to the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20.

He also appealed to the Federal and state governments to intensify implementation of programmes and policies designed to empower millions of struggling youths across the country.

The Oba, who said Amnesty International had the right to operate legally anywhere, however contended that as an international NGO, the association claiming to have tracked troops of a sovereign nation and announcing same amounted to attacks on national security.

He added that as a Nigerian, he was worried that a foreign NGO could admit carrying out espionage activities against the Nigeria Army with an air of impunity.

He therefore asked the relevant authorities to probe the claim, and possibly Extradict them from Nigeria, because I can’t imagine a foreign NGO operating in America to be so bold and claimed he tracked troops movement from pentagon to a particular location and still remains in American soil.

The Oba also appealed for calm across the country while urging Nigerian youths to make their legitimate claims and ventilate whatever grievances they may have in future peacefully, stressing that it was in an atmosphere of harmony that progress could be achieved.

Oba Oyelude commiserated with all Nigerians who lost loved ones and properties in the crises praying that God would wipe off their tears. He also mourned security officers who fell in line of duty urging their services not to abandon the families left behind by the gallant officers.

He called on all Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace to return fully to the country and appealed to the Federal and State Governments to keep the various promises they made to the protesting youths while the crises lasted.
He further praised the Patriotism of the Nigerian Army and the military leadership and other security agencies for quickly identifying subversive foreign Elements like Amnesty international and thwarting thier mischief.