The British parliament has set a date to debate numerous petitions seeking sanctions against the President Muhammadu Buhari led government over its handling of the #EndSARS protests.
Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians home and abroad had petitioned the United Kingdom to probe the violation of rights and killings of protesters demanding an end to police ruthlessness and killings last month.
The Nigerian President has yet to hold any military official or appointees to account for death of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday October 20 as his government continues to dispute several reports that soldiers opened fire on armless demonstrators.
The administration has also targeted hundreds of citizens who took part in the protests with arrest, travel restrictions and bank accounts freezing.
President Buhari also recently asked the international community to make adequate findings before commenting on the #EndSARS issues.
In a nationwide broadcast after the Lekki incident, Buhari said his government will not allow the continuous breakdown of law and order in the country.
“It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs,” he said.
“I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well – intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS… To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.”
However, the British parliament has scheduled November 23 to debate petitions calling for sanctions against the Nigerian government.
It is nonetheless unclear whether the British lawmakers would recommend sanctions after debating the petitions, or if the government would implement them considering Nigeria’s long-standing ties with the UK.
