#EndSARS: NGO petitions panel over ‘fake news’ peddlers

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Vendors Positive Change Initiative, has urged the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to invite those who promoted fake news on the alleged and unsubstantiated killings of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate.

The group, in a petition signed by Gbolahan Bakare, said this would help the panel to unravel the truth and deliver justice to all the concerned.

According to him, the petition was in pursuant to their rights as enshrined in Section 36 (2A) of 1999 Constitution (as amended) which “provides for an opportunity for the persons whose rights and obligations may be affected to make representations to the administering authority before that authority makes the decision.”

He said: “It is our considered opinion that the activities of fake news promoters regarding the Lekki incident put at risk the stability of the nation and specifically threaten our collective security as citizens.

“As your panel is saddled with the task of delivering restitution in this particular incidental case, it is our belief that there cannot be restitution without justice and fairness.

Read Also: Endsars NHRC Condemns Shooting Of Protesters

“We, therefore, seek that your panel promotes fairness in this matter by extending an invitation to all those who have made varying degrees of inciting claims regarding what transpired at the Lekki toll gate on October 20, including those who claim blank bullets were used, to physically appear before your committee to substantiate all they have said or claimed.

“This, we believe, will help your panel to unravel the truth and deliver justice to all concerned.”