Some members of the national assembly have asked President
Muhammadu Buhari to break his silence on the #EndSARS protest across the
country.
Several people have called on the president to address the
nation on the ongoing crisis resulting from the #EndSARS campaign in the
country.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmakers from
both the senate and house of representatives, expressed disappointment in the
attack of protesters by security operatives.
The lawmakers said Nigerians are right to protest given that “over the years, socio-economic indicators in Nigeria have remained precarious.”
They asked Buhari to address the nation and pledge to
protect rights of protesters.
They also asked him to immediately order security operatives
to stop shooting at and brutalising protesters.
“We note that in the recent past, this has been the most
elaborate protest that has united young Nigerians across geography, ethnic
nationality and religion,” the lawmakers said.
“We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the
police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as
a result of frustration by Nigerian youths who have seen governments at all
level fail to provide public goods and opportunities for them to lead a
meaningful life.
“We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and
manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the
protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a
democratic society.
“We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed,
defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after
the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off. We call on the President
to give an immediate order to all security agencies to stop shooting at
protesters.
“We condemn this action by government and security agencies.
This is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. There is no justification
whatsoever for security officials who are paid with tax payers’ money to kill
unarmed protesters.
“We call on the President to address the nation and take
concrete actions to respond to the demand of the protesters. He should commit
in words and action to respect and protect the right to protest.
“He should publicly invite the leaders of the protesters to
an urgent dialogue while assuring them of their safety and that outcomes would
be expeditiously implemented.”
They further urged the federal government to probe the
attacks on the protesters and ensure that the perpetrators and “all those who
gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable
manner.”
“As patriots, we will not keep quiet while the country is
plunged into crisis under any guise. A stitch in time saves nine.”
The lawmakers who issued the statement include Olubunmi
Adetunmbi, senator representing Ekiti-north senatorial district, Michael
Bamidele (Ekiti central), Tolu Odebiyi, (Ogun-west), Ajibola Basiru
(Osun-central).
Others are Francis Waive (Ughelli North/South/Udu federal
constituency), Peter Akpatason (Akoko Edo), Umeoji Chukwuma, Kingsley China,
Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Francis Ottah Agbo, Unyime Idem, Omowumi Olubunmi
Ogunlola, Julius Ihonvbere, Rimamnde Kwewum.
Also included are Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, Segius Ogun,
Preye Oseke, Ibrahim Obanikoro, Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, Bamidele Salam, Dennis
Idahosa, Nnolim Nnaji, Benjamin Bem Mzondu, Timehin Adelegbe, Taiwo Olukemi
Oluga, Ben Kalu, Amos Magaji, Olododo Cook Abdulganiyu Saka, Igariwey Iduma
Enwo, Olubukola Oyewo, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Oluyole, Uzoma Nkem Abonta,
Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, Wole Oke, Miriam Onuoha.
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