One year after security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters at Lekki toll gate, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila have failed to sanction security forces for murdering unarmed protesters.

The national assembly leaders had in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protest shootings promised to put necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the police.

They had vowed to ensure that the government delivers justice to victims of police brutality.

Specifically, Mr Gbajabiamila in 2020 vowed not to sign the 2021 budget if provisions are not made to compensate victims of police brutality in the last decade.

He promised a constitutional framework to address the demands made during the protests.

On the other hand, Mr Lawan committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.

Despite their rhetoric, hundreds of innocent protesters are still being held in prisons across the country and families of victims of police brutality are yet to get justice.

Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun who spoke to Peoples Gazette said the lawmakers have not made sincere intervention because they are direct beneficiaries of the violence.

“They are not committed because they profit largely from the killings, harassment and the assaults unleashed by the Nigerian security forces.

“They are the direct beneficiaries of the violence because it is with the impunity and the violence with which they perpetuate themselves in power,” Mr Ogun said.