Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo says President Muhammadu
Buhari should demonstrate his care for the youths by attending to their
demands.
Obasanjo spoke when he visited Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of
Ife, at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun state, on Monday.
He described the #EndSARS protest as the product of an
extensive agitation by the Nigerian youth.
He said the youths are clamouring for a better life and
there are several ways the government can show it understands their plights by
making things easier for them.
“More than 65 percent of our population is under within the
ages of 18 and 30; they are not only struggling to acquire education, they are
also aspiring for the best that life can offer them,” Obasanjo said.
“Some of them didn’t even get educated, while those who are
educated are getting frustrated because of lack of opportunities. We must
realize that the lid on the boiling steam would have to be removed.
“But, I believe that there are windows of opportunity which the government can explore to show that it cares about the people’s welfare, especially the youth, as the father of the country and particularly, as the father of the youth.
“Fortunately, the president has children and he knows how youths
behave. I believe that the opportunities can still be taken to let the youth
know that he, as a father, understands their plight and that his government
understands their plight and he is ready to make life better for them.”
On his part, Ogunwusi described the protests as a clear
message by the Nigerian youths to the government, particularly on the
coordinated manner in which the protests were being organised.
He urged the youths to suspend the protests and give the
government the chance to fully attend to their demands.
“If you look at the #EndSARS protest, you will see that our
youths have what it takes to rule the country,” he said.
“Since day one, they have shown leadership, accountability,
and a huge sense of responsibility which have sent a clear message to the
government.
“Every day at 11:50 pm, they displayed their financial
update, and to me, I’m highly amazed by their sense of accountability.
“As a youth leader myself, I am proud that we all have
communicated our ideas and it is heartwarming that we have been heard.
“Dear youths, it is time to retreat so as to prevent those
with ulterior motives from hijacking the peaceful message of peace.
“The whole world is aware of our peaceful conduct and we
must not let some bad elements tarnish this enviable integrity.
“Once again, I wish to urge our youths to stop the protest,
for now, and give peace a chance. This will prevent the government from using
force.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com