#EndSARS: Federal Government suspends protests nationwide
By Emmanuel Awosika
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked youths to suspend all #EndSARS protests in the country, as the government has responded to their demands.
The President said this in a speech on Thursday which addresed the current #EndSARS protests and the breakdown of law and order that followed as hoodlums hijacked the protests.
The President stressed that the “genuine and well-intended” protests calling for a stop to police brutality had been hijacked by subversive elements.
He said this had led to wanton killing, sexual violence, destruction and vandalisation of properties and massive disruption to daily life in the country.
He expressed sadness and regrets that the legitimate expression of grievances of the youth of the country had led to the loss of lives.
Buhari cautioned against the dissemination of “deliberate falsehood and misinformation” aimed at painting the government in a negative light and rousing citizens to disruptive behaviour.
“On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic”, he stated.
Buhari, who refused to say anything on the #EndSARS protests killed at Lekki Tollgate, announced various government initiatives aimed at empowering youths and women including Tradermoni, N-Power, and Marketmoni.
He also announced a new salary structure for the Nigerian Police Force, stating that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission had been tasked with finalizing arrangements for the new salary structure.
Sequel to this was another announcement of a new salary structure for teachers in the county. According to Buhari, this was in a bid to equip teachers to adequately prepare the youths for the future.
He added in part: “In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.
“For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
“I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.”
