The National Economic Council (NEC) has advised against
staging protests to mark the one-year anniversary of #EndSARS.
Nigerians had, in October 2020, protested against the
now-disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigeria Police
Force.
In a statement issued on Friday, the council said the
purpose of the planned anniversary protests might be defeated as they may be
hijacked by armed hoodlums and other “opportunistic criminals”.
“While appreciating the role of lawful peaceful protests in
the advancement of public discourse under democratic governance, the National
Economic Council strongly advise those planning public protests across the
country to mark the anniversary of the #EndSARS, to consider other lawful alternative means of
engagement,” the statement reads.
“This is because of
the current security situation across the country and the possibility of such
protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to
cause mayhem at such protest events and venues. Council, therefore, urges the
organisers to reconsider their plan.”
The council also highlighted various actions already taken
by federal and state governments to address the grievances that led to the 2020
protests.
Such actions, according to NEC, include “broad police
reforms, establishment of judicial panels of inquiries to investigate
allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigeria police force
and other security agencies”.
The council said the recommendations of panels are already
at various stages of implementation, including the setup of victims’
compensation funds.
“These are commendable actions that ought to be taken to a
logical conclusion in a peaceful atmosphere,” the council said.
“Organisers of the planned protests should explore the
various channels of communication with governments at various levels to advance
their positions and avert the breakdown of law and order that may result from
such public protests.”
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