John Enenche, former Defence Spokesman, says he declared that the reported killing of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, was photoshopped because of an oath of allegiance he swore on commission into military service.
Enenche had claimed that the Instagram live footage of DJ Switch, which showed bullets being removed from the bodies of some #EndSARS protesters was photoshopped.
His comment had angered young persons who identified with #EndSARS movement, majority of whom are supporters of Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate.
However, Obi, who released his campaign team list earlier in the week, named Enenche as a member of the PAC from the North-Central.
This had triggered a massive protest on social media. Amid the backlash, Obi assured his supporters that the list would be reviewed, a move which was welcomed by Obidients, who categorically demanded the exclusion of Enenche.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter handle, Eneche explained his role in the #EndSARS saga.
“Dear Nigerians, I am Major General John Enenche (rtd). Recall I underscored the need for every conscience bound Nigerian, cutting across societal class to joining the current political exercise in the country towards electing credible, competent and capable leaders in 2023. In addition, I enjoined all to speak out and not sit on the fence.”
“Consequently, I made bold to openly and objectively support the candidature of HE Mr Peter Obi and Dr Yusuf Ahmed-Datti without fear or contraction. All based on my knowledge of the duo for about 17 years and 5 years respectively, that they can provide quality leadership for the Nation that will guarantee effective followership. This is what Nigeria needs now to overcome all the numerous challenges imposed on the citizenry in the last two decades.
“I believe that all Obidient Nigerians among others that believe and are working towards a new Nigeria and taking our country back have the same conviction like me. In this regard, I appeal to all in this endeavour to allow us maintain focus to achieve this all important mission.
“Let me state here that a good number of us in this liberation effort have a lot to give and contribute based on knowledge acquired over time in excess of thirty years, that will give solid foundation to Labour Party Government at all levels in Nigeria from 2023.
“Dear country men and women, following my appointment on the campaign council of Labour Party, there were reactions on the social media about my pronouncement concerning a video shot at the scene of the ENDARS incident at Lekki toll gate on 20 October 2020.
“Every one that commented in any way was right based on the information at their disposal and individual analysis. Personally and professionally, I worked with the overriding interest of Nigerians at heart based on the oath of allegiance I swore on commission into military service which is sacrosanct. I sincerely shared in the pains of that breaking news through the social media as it were.
“On this note, I want to assure all that more effort will be put in, so that all assertions can be cleared convincingly from appropriate sources. God bless our cause for the recovery of our dear country Nigeria. Thank you.”
