…As Lagos govt orders release of 253 #EndSARS protesters***

Nigerian flutist, Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli on Sunday said that everybody needed a moral revolution to end the “SARS” in them for a better society.

Speaking in Lagos, the cross-cultural Itsekiri and Swiss-born flutist said people needed to treat their neighbours the same way they want to be treated.

He was speaking against the backdrop of recent widespread protests, tagged “#EndSARS” across the nation in condemnation of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police formation accused of extra-judicial killings.

Tee Mac in reaction to the protest said his son was also harassed by SARS operatives, adding that the condemnation they received should also be visited on people who do not treat their neighbours well.

“My son was also harassed because of his hair and he uses an iPhone. Yes, we need to fight, not just SARS but the whole system.

“We need a moral revolution from the bottom to the top. There is some SARS in all of us. From the musicians to politicians, teachers, students, everybody.

“From my experience in Europe, you need to treat people well, respect your neighbours and share when you make money, especially with your band members.

“I came to Nigeria after my degree in Music and Economics in 1970 to see some band leaders treating their members like thrash and I always criticize that,” he explained.

He recalled that in 2000, he was to perform at a Gala night after which he made his band members to sleep at the same five-star hotel where they all passed the night and I saw some band leaders leaving their members to pass the night in the bus.

“I do the same thing when I cook. Now none of us was being paid immediately, in fact, I am still being owed but I made sure my members were comfortable because you are as good as your band.

Also read:  ‘AMAZING GRACE’: Obasanjo, Fayemi, others celebrate Akala at 70

“If one man in your band is not good, then the sound is not there. So, treat them well and pay them well. In the music industry and outside, treat those working for you well.

“My domestic staff have been working with me for years. This is not really because I pay them well but because I treat them well.

“If you are a bandleader and you don’t pay your musicians well, you don’t treat them well, you let them sleep in the bus on tour while you stay in a five-star hotel.”

He added that if you eat in a first-class restaurant while your band members eat bread and sardine, then you are worse than SARS.

“We have to start respecting our neighbours. It is stated in the bible. `Love thy neighbour as you love thyself’ and that will solve all the problems.” he said.

In the meantime, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), Lagos State Attorney-General (A-G), has ordered the release of 253 persons arrested by police over their alleged roles in the unrest following the #EndSARS protests.

The A-G said in a statement that his office had determined that there was a nondisclosure of a prima-facie case against the 253 persons by the police.

The statement, signed by Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice and made available to newsmen on Sunday, said 92 persons would, however, be prosecuted.

The A-G said the police had, between Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, forwarded 40 case files to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) in respect of the 361 persons arrested in respect of crimes that occurred in connection with the protests.

“Legal advice has been issued in respect of all the 40 case files received.

“As at Nov. 6, the Directorate has been able to despatch legal advice in respect of 81 persons that are being charged to the various courts.
The others will be despatched to court on Monday Nov. 9.

“Out of the 361 persons, the DPP shall be prosecuting 92 persons for different offenses ranging from arson, stealing, breaking into buildings, armed robbery and murder.

“The office has advised that 253 persons be released forthwith for non-disclosure of a prima facie case.

“In the meantime, two case files in respect of 16 persons have been advised for further investigation by the police,” the statement said.

The A-G in the statement assured members of the public that his office would ensure that those arrested by the police are treated in accordance with the due process of the law.

Onigbanjo also noted that his office remained committed to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring peace and order in the state.