Lai on #EndSARS: We need to take firm steps to protect innocent Nigerians

The federal government says it will not allow the #EndSARS protest plunge the nation into anarchy.

Protesters have been out on the streets for over a week, demanding an overhaul of the police.

Although Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police, disbanded the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) which triggered the protests, demonstrations are ongoing in different parts of the country.

When he featured on “Weekend File”, a programme of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mohammed said although the protest started out peacefully, it has been hijacked.

He cited the attack on Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun, to buttress his point.

“Peaceful protest is an integral part of democracy and that is why the federal government in the last 11 days has treated the protesters in a very civilised manner,” he said.

“But, if you look at what happened to the governor of Osun State, it has gone completely beyond peaceful protest against excesses and abuse of power by the police.

“There is nowhere in the world where a government will fold its arms and allow the country to descend into anarchy.

“We are no longer dealing with #EndSARS but a volatile situation that can lead to anarchy if government does not take some very firm steps to protect the lives and livelihood of innocent Nigerians.

“We have nothing against peaceful protest but there are civilised ways of doing so. This is by going to a venue where you are not going to disturb other Nigerians because where your own right stops, other persons’ right begins.”