A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Shehu Sani on Sunday said Nigerian politicians fear western sanctions more than the local laws.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on the heels of the visit of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
“If you look at the mentality, thinking or psychology of Nigerian political class, they fear that (foreign sanctions) more than the laws of the land because they believe that as long as you belong to the circle of power, you can do anything and get away with it,” Sani said.
“We have had cases of people engaging in all sorts of violence during elections, as long as they are on the side of power, they go scout free.”
Sani’s comment came a few days after Blinken had during his two-day official visit to Nigeria said the report by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for the Victims of #EndSARS protest was critical and the United States was awaiting the actions which would be taken afterward.
And according to Shehu, Blinken’s message to the country is very clear as the United States has the responsibility to intervene once a government uses security agencies to oppress its citizens.
While noting previous killings witnessed in other parts of the country, the PDP chieftain explained that what made the #EndSARS incident unique is that the protesters came out peacefully, raising the national flag.
Shehu added, “What made this very distinct is the fact that ordinary citizens of this country came out and there was the application of force to suppress that protest.
“There were a lot of controversies whether actually there was a massacre or not. But the report that came out from that panel clearly stated that massacre took place.”
The Lagos Panel had on November 15 concluded that the Nigerian Army shot and killed unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.
Shortly after, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set up a four-member committee led by Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) to raise a White Paper on the reports submitted by the panel.
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
