‘Embattled’ Former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday denied any involvement in the civil unrest in Nigeria, tagged: #EndSARS protests.
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke on Channels TV programme on Wednesday, some persons lied to the residency that he is behind the protests.
In the broadcast interview, Tinubu openly condemned security operatives for firing live bullets at protesters in Lekki on Tuesday night denying involvement in shooting of the protesting youths. Lekki massacre .
Videos accessed online had shown persons dressed in Nigerian army opened fire at the Lekki tollgate where protesters have been converging to kick against police brutality.
The soldiers had asked the protesters to leave the venue around 7pm, two hours before the curfew imposed by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, was to start.
Earlier, persons said to be officials of the Lekki Concession Company, the firm managing the toll gate, removed the security cameras in the area.
READ ALSO: Hoodlums in Nigeria Burn TV Station, Newspaper Coy Owned By Tinubu
In videos of the clampdown — which was streamed live — protesters were seen scampering for safety amid sporadic gunshots from soldiers.
Speaking via phone during the television programme, Tinubu also denied having any investment in the Lekki Concession Company, saying: “I have no dime, no kobo investment in the toll gate.”
“I will never, never be part of any carnage. I will never be part of that. Why will they use live bullets?
“Before now, I was being accused and reported to the Presidency that I was behind the protests, that I was a sponsor of the protests.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the former governor had cautioned protesters against giving the impression that they wanted to cause anarchy, saying that;
“any government will necessarily have to act with the requisite decisiveness and force to restore law and order” if that happens to be the case.”
READ ALSO: How 39 companies jostle for 4th mainland bridge contract
Earlier on Wednesday, two prominent Nigeria media outfits believed to be owned by the Tinubu were set on fire by hoodlums in Lagos state.
NewswatchNigeria had reported that Television Continental (TVC) was set on fire in the morning hours of Wednesday and with hours of intervals leading into the afternoon the The Nation, a national print media believed to be owned by Mr Tinubu was also set ablaze.
Read a Press Statemen issued by The Nation on the attack and signed by ADENIYI ADESINA, Editor, The Nation
The Nation under attack
Armed men on motorcycles invaded the headquarters of The Nation on Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos on Wednesday afternoon.
In a commando-like manner, they kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.
They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it.
Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised
Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.
These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.
At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.
They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived.
Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.
It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press.
The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.
The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria.
The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.
ADENIYI ADESINA,
Editor, The Nation
Bola Tinubu, who was reportedly seen in Paris-France at the time of the incident is believed to be the main target of the attacks.
Lagos state Governor Sanwo-Olu had however blamed the attack on the protesters on “forces beyond my control”.
