‘Violence can’t be the solution’ — Ghanaian president asks FG to solve #EndSARS crisis through dialogue

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana says he has spoken with President Muhammadu Buhari over the #EndSARS protests. 

Nigerians, for close to two weeks, had taken to the streets to protest against police brutality. 

On Tuesday, men dressed in military uniform opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos state — an action which has received widespread condemnation.

Akufo-Addo, in a tweet on Wednesday, called for calm and dialogue, adding that Buhari said the process for reform had started.

“I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm, and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria. I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform,” he tweeted. 

“Violence, be it on the part of the police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.” 

I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm, and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria. I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform. 1/2

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— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 21, 2020

Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. 2/2 #EndSARS

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 21, 2020

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Other international figures have also joined the calls for Buhari to address the issues on police brutality which led to the protests, as well as an investigation into the Lekki shooting. 

The United Nations (UN) had asked the federal government to probe the incident and bring the perpetrators to book.

Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state, also asked Buhari “to stop the killing of #EndSARS protesters.” 

Joe Biden, US presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, called on Buhari to cease the violent crackdown on the protesters. 

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, had also asked Buhari to act before it’s too late. 

Buhari, however, has kept mum over the attack on protesters.