Press Releases

Military Assault: Fashola Apologises To Lady, Promises To Make Representations To Mr President

Nov 6, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Thursday formally apologized to a lady, Miss Uzoma Okereke who was allegedly assaulted by some uniformed men along Muri Okunola Street in Victoria Island last Monday.

Speaking during a meeting he had with Miss Okereke and top officials of the state Ministry of Justice at the Lagos House, Alausa, the Governor said it was rather unfortunate that those who should protect defenceless citizens have turned against her.

He assured that democracy will protect her and promised that he will ensure that Miss Okereke gets justice over the fate that befell her in the incidence over which he said he has received several e-mail messages from the public.

He added that he will make representations to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua based on the report he gets from the Solicitor General whom he has asked to make investigations on the issue.

The Governor said that what happened is not a reflection of what Nigeria represents and appealed to Miss Okereke to remain law abiding while the issue is taken up by appropriate agencies.

Governor Fashola added that he has directed the Solicitor General to link up with the Office of the Public Defender to think of possible legal assistance that may be given to her.

The Lagos State Governor said although he has not heard from military authorities, he does not think there is any act of provocation that could have justified the magnitude of what has happened.

He also promised that the state will take care of the medical expenses of treating Miss Okereke over injuries he received during the incident.

Earlier while recounting her experience, Miss Okereke said she was driving along Muri Okunola Street in Victoria Island when a naval officer who was accompanied by some naval ratings tried to forcibly create a way out of the traffic hold up.

She added that in the process of making a way out for the vehicle she was driving, some of the rating attacked her and horsewhipped her while she was still behind the wheels of her vehicles.

She added that her shirt was torn and had her body exposed and she was forcibly dragged into the premises of the officer identified as Rear Admiral Olufemi Arogundade before being subjected to further physically assault.

She added that by the time she was allowed to come out from the premises of Rear Admiral Arogundade, she noticed that a mob had gathered and were insistent that she must be apologized to by her attackers, a move which nearly resulted into a free for all fight between the uniformed men and members of the public.