Lawmakers ask Buhari to address Nigerians on #EndSARS protests

Some members of the national assembly have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to break his silence on the #EndSARS protest across the country.

Several people have called on the president to address the nation on the ongoing crisis resulting from the #EndSARS campaign in the country.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmakers from both the senate and house of representatives, expressed disappointment in the attack of protesters by security operatives.

The lawmakers said Nigerians are right to protest given that “over the years, socio-economic indicators in Nigeria have remained precarious.”

They asked Buhari to address the nation and pledge to protect rights of protesters.

They also asked him to immediately order security operatives to stop shooting at and brutalising protesters.

“We note that in the recent past, this has been the most elaborate protest that has united young Nigerians across geography, ethnic nationality and religion,” the lawmakers said.

“We observe that the protest goes beyond the excesses of the police formation called Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests are as a result of frustration by Nigerian youths who have seen governments at all level fail to provide public goods and opportunities for them to lead a meaningful life.

“We are appalled by the reliance on force, intimidation and manipulation by government and security agencies in attempt to break the protest rather than utilising globally recognised methods of policing in a democratic society.

“We are enraged by reports of shooting of unarmed, defenceless protesters by military officers at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos after the lights were turned off and CCTV cameras put off. We call on the President to give an immediate order to all security agencies to stop shooting at protesters.

“We condemn this action by government and security agencies. This is inexcusable and totally unacceptable. There is no justification whatsoever for security officials who are paid with tax payers’ money to kill unarmed protesters.

“We call on the President to address the nation and take concrete actions to respond to the demand of the protesters. He should commit in words and action to respect and protect the right to protest.

“He should publicly invite the leaders of the protesters to an urgent dialogue while assuring them of their safety and that outcomes would be expeditiously implemented.”

They further urged the federal government to probe the attacks on the protesters and ensure that the perpetrators and “all those who gave the orders should be brought to account in a transparent and accountable manner.”

“As patriots, we will not keep quiet while the country is plunged into crisis under any guise. A stitch in time saves nine.”

The lawmakers who issued the statement include Olubunmi Adetunmbi, senator representing Ekiti-north senatorial district, Michael Bamidele (Ekiti central), Tolu Odebiyi, (Ogun-west), Ajibola Basiru (Osun-central).

Others are Francis Waive (Ughelli North/South/Udu federal constituency), Peter Akpatason (Akoko Edo), Umeoji Chukwuma, Kingsley China, Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Francis Ottah Agbo, Unyime Idem, Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Julius Ihonvbere, Rimamnde Kwewum.

Also included are Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, Segius Ogun, Preye Oseke, Ibrahim Obanikoro, Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, Bamidele Salam, Dennis Idahosa, Nnolim Nnaji, Benjamin Bem Mzondu, Timehin Adelegbe, Taiwo Olukemi Oluga, Ben Kalu, Amos Magaji, Olododo Cook Abdulganiyu Saka, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Olubukola Oyewo, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe Oluyole, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, Wole Oke, Miriam Onuoha.