The National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has pleaded with Nigerian youths who spearheaded the end SARS protest to give the Federal Government the opportunity to address their demands.
In a release personally signed by him, Tinubu asked the youths and I quote to ‘ please please and please call off the protests , give government a chance to implement your demands ‘
The statement partly reads: “For the past twelve days, our country has witnessed massive protests by youths in different cities, which were ignited by widespread disenchantment with the gross human rights abuses including torture, extortion, harassment, intimidation and even extra-judicial killings of Nigerians by members of the disbanded Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS).
“The demands for fundamental police reforms by the protesting youths are in pursuit of our aspiration in our national anthem “to build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”.
“It is impossible for anyone truly committed to the rule of law, democracy and good governance to be opposed to the concern and demands of the protesters.
“The impunity of SARS was thus a challenge that the youth have responded positively and courageously to and has triggered the commencement of the fundamental reform of the country’s policing system.
“But then, the protesters must admit that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has acted with commendable dispatch by not only scrapping SARS but also accepting the five-point demand that triggered the protests. This shows a laudable sensitivity to the grievances of the youths. It is only fair that government must be given the chance to implement the reforms demanded by the protesters.
“I, therefore, appeal toy that “You have made your point. Government has made its commitment to you. Please and please, call off the protests. Give government a chance to implement your demands. God bless you,” the statement said.
