The leadership of the Senate on Wednesday appealed to religious, political and ethic leaders to join the government in ending the ongoing violence in the country.
The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, made the appeal after a closed doors meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu, and Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi.
Expressing worry over reports of violence across the country linked to the EndSARS protest, Lawan said all leaders must ensure an end to the protest which had turned dangerous and hijacked by hoodlums.
“The time has come for the hijacked protests to stop , requiring intervention of leaders at all levels across the country regardless of religious, ethnic, political etc , differences .
“Those who started the protests are no doubt, Patriots , the very reason the Senate in its first resolution on it two weeks ago , supported them and called on the Federal government to accede to their five – point demand.
“Also at that time , President Muhamnadu Buhari also responded well by not only endorsing the disbandment of Special Anti Robbery Squad ( SARS) but declaring that holistic reform would be carried out in the Police.
“Our appeal to Nigerians at this time, particularly leaders, is to join government in bringing an end to the now hijacked protests , for government to address the issues raised before violence set in,” he said .
Lawan, who said the Senate was not opposed to peaceful protest, urged Nigerians not to allow themselves to be taken in the wrong direction as being witnessed in some states.
“The Senate at any time supports legitimate and peaceful protests by any Nigerian or group of Nigerians but not in support of any violent protest,” he stressed.
The IGP declined to speaking with journalists when he was approached for comments on situations on ground.
