President Muhammadu Buhari has again assured Nigerian youths protesting against Police brutality that his government is acting on their demands.
The President in a text message to the youths, appealed to them to go about their businesses
The text message which came late Monday night reads “You have spoken loudly and clearly. I have not only listened but have heard.I appeal to you to now go about your business.We are acting on your demands”
The message came amidst fears that the otherwise, peaceful protests on #EndSARS may have been hijacked by hoodlums to achieve criminal purposes.
It also came as the Northern Elders Forum NEF, Monday warned against allowing criminal elements to feast on the protests and derail the successes recorded so far.
In a statement signed by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Director, Publicity and Advocacy, the NEF, noted that the protests have registered tremendous success, including acceptance of responsibility for the federal government to abolish SARS and undertake further action towards improving accountability of operatives and institutions.
” It was particularly noteworthy that young Nigerians led these protests in its early stages, and the Forum acknowledges the heroism of these young people who stood up to say, enough! We have also noted that tragically, some people have lost their lives in these protests”
The Forum however, expressed concerns that other interests have taken over these protests and are compounding the collective security of the people.
It observed like most Nigerians, that criminal have started attacks on specific persons, emptying prisons, molesting innocent citizens and attacking policemen.
“We are very concerned that these acts of criminality suggest that other interests with criminal intent or subversive goals have taken over these protests.
” If these acts continue, as they will unless we bring these protests come to an immediate end, every law-abiding citizen, including protesters who are pursuing legitimate goals, are in danger.
“The Forum does not believe that this is part of the agenda of the overwhelming majority of protesters.
The Forum therefore called for an immediate end to these protests across the nation and advised the federal government to take steps to protect innocent citizens and honour its commitment to serious changes in the manner it handles our security.
The NEF also appealed to all leaders to take steps to lower tensions, engage young people to give them assurances that their cause is not lost, and close ranks to stop subversives from plunging the nation into deeper crises.
” We appeal once again to young Nigerians to salvage what they have achieved so far, and prevent opportunists and criminals from hijacking the good work they have accomplished”
