In commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the peaceful protest in Lekki, a social analyst, Sharaf Ayo Adewale, and an author of the book ‘ The Blood Stained Flag’, stated that the book was written to reveal Nigerian leaders’ avarice and their willingness to block any movement that would liberate the masses by whatever means.
Adewale, who spoke to journalists in Lagos over the weekend about his books ‘The Blood Stained Flag’ and ‘ABC of Justice Okwobi’s Panel Report,’ stated that the book was written to open people’s eyes to the peaceful nature of the protest in which Nigerian leader and Lagos state government invited armed soldiers to intervene.
He said apart from the fact that the writing of the book came from the poem he composed on that Tuesday night of October 20, 2020, a day that will live in infamy in the history of Nigeria; “It was also informed by an earnest desire that I have had for years to ensure that justice is always given to everyone who deserves it at every point in time.”
The social analyst stated that October is highly significant in Nigerian history, and that it is a month that every Nigerian values since it is the month Nigeria gained independence.
However, Adewale stated that since 2020, October has become notable in another dimension, which is bloodshed.
While speaking during the book presentation, Adewale stated “On the evening of October 20, 2020, peaceful protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate, chanting for reform and holding Nigerian flags. Soldiers, led by a lieutenant colonel, descended upon the location and opened fire. This act resulted in a significant loss of life, leaving many survivors with long-term injuries. The incident, now known as the Lekki Toll Gate massacre, is a dark moment in Nigeria’s history.
“The events of October 20, 2020, were a turning point in Nigeria’s history. We saw a group of brave Nigerians, armed only with their voices and the national flag, face a heavily armed military. The bloodshed that night was a brutal violation of the people’s right to peaceful protest.
“Despite overwhelming evidence, including videos, testimonies, and reports, the federal and Lagos state governments have continuously denied the reality of the massacre. The government set up a panel to investigate, but there have been repeated attempts to suppress the truth.”
Speaking further about what inspired the book’s composition, he stated that it was intended to disclose the many efforts made by the government to conceal the atrocities done by the Nigerian army and Nigerian police at the Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2020.
“It was written to expose the lie in the Nigerian ivory tower and to show to the world what happened to the defenseless protesters at Lekki toll gate when the military invaded them on October 20, 2020.
“To reveal to the world facts about the unbiased Justice Okwobi Panel that the government denied and to expose the truth revealed in that report, which indisputably established the reality of the Lekki massacre of October 20, 2020.
Adewale noted that the book ‘The Blood Stained Flag’ is divided into four sections which are; the peaceful protest and the military meddling; the impartial panel; defending a state crime and the illegal white paper.
The Blood Stained Flag book calls for justice, encouraging the Nigerian government to take responsibility and solve the people’s problems.
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