#EndSARS: Catholic bishop commends protesters, but says continuation dangerous

Felix Ajakaye, Catholic bishop of Ekiti, has expressed support for the #EndSARS protests, but warned that continuing the demonstrations could be dangerous.

Ajakaye stated this on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark the second year in office of Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti, held on Sunday at Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

In a sermon titled “The Journey of Faith: Success Without Worthy Successor is Failure in Reality”, he explained that the protests for the disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) were an expression of anger against “incompetent, dishonest, recycled leadership”.

The bishop also noted that the demonstrations, which have held across the country for close to two weeks, point to the mistrust between the leaders and the led.

He, however, urged the protesters to suspend the demonstrations and give the government time for implementation.

“They should also bear in mind that there are police officers who are not brutal,” he said.

“EndSARS protests and agitations are not about disbandment of SARS alone, it is against injustice, mistrust, dishonesty, recycled and incompetent leadership in our nation. There is anger in the land. But they should suspend the protests, so that government can act on their demands.

“If they continue, the protest may be counter-productive, because there may be those who want to secretly protect their means of livelihoods.”

In his response, Fayemi said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government is committed to initiating various reforms that will transform the country in all facets.

“I can understand the youths who have been protesting for some days now. There is a lot of anger in the land; hunger, disillusion and disaffection,” the governor said.

“We are committed to various reforms — not only about SARS. We will be making a mistake, if we think so. Our appeal is let government take the necessary steps to do what is right.”