#EndSARS: Buhari implores youths ‘to move from streets to the negotiation table’
By Modupe Shodeinde
President Muhammadu Buhari has implored the youths to put an end to protests on the streets and dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police and put an end to police brutality in the country.
The President said this on Sunday, in his message to the maiden National Youth Day celebration on the 1st of November where he was represented by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello.
The President assured the youths that their demands have been heard by the government and they should not be afraid to come forward with practical ideas to be tabled in a dialogue with the government.
According to him, ”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.
”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
“Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.”
The President reminding the youths of their duty towards nation building, urged them to make constructive use of this fateful situation to move the country into a just and caring society.
According to him, ”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly.”
He also condemned the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people.
“It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.” he said.
President Buhari reiterated on the willingness of his government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge.
He stated that in the last five years his administration in order to place the Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment, has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country.
Among this youth-based initiative, he stated, is the most recent N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.
“This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,” he said.
