#EndSARS protests: Address Nigerians now – AAC tells Buhari

By Musa Baba Adamu

The African Action Congress (AAC) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari, to address Nigerians now in the wake of the current crisis resulting from #EndSARS protests across the country.
In a statement issued yesterday by the national chairman of the party, Leonard Nzenwa, AAC said it is deeply pained over the killing of unarmed youth protesting police brutality across the country.
To this end, the party called on President Buhari to address the nation on reforms embarked upon to end police brutality and other demands of the protesters which government had earlier accepted.
“The presidential address will douse tension in the country and reassure the youth that their demands are being considered and will be implemented.
“The major reason for the youth continued protests was lack of confidence in the federal government to implement genuine police reforms if they vacate the streets. As the father of the nation, it is incumbent on President Buhari to speak out as he did during the global COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
“Youths are the live-blood of the nation and its future leaders, their heart cries should be listened to and addressed in our collective efforts in building a better democratic society.
“To shoot them at close range while protesting police brutality is outrageous, despicable and barbaric. It is man’s inhumanity to man, more so, by security operatives paid to protect lives and property in the nation.
“AAC strongly condemns the use of brute force to quell the protests which resulted to the death of dozens of youth and many more wounded. The consequence is increased arson in most part of the country particularly Lagos.
“It is unfortunate that hoodlums infiltrated the peaceful protests and caused mayhem. This would have been prevented if Mr President had quickly addressed the nation as some governors did in their States and continue to interface with protesters with a view to addressing their demands.
“A peaceful protest is an essential ingredient of a democratic society, a fundamental right of the people to express their displeasure against government policies and actions.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with members of the families who lost their loved ones during the protests. We pray to God Almighty to comfort them in this period of grief and speed recovery to the wounded.
“By sustaining democracy in the country, reforming the police and other security agencies, and providing good governance that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, these valiant youths would not have died in vain holding the nation’s flag, flag stained in blood of peaceful protests”, AAC said in the statement.