We’ve not seen the end of #EndSARS protests, says Aisha Yesufu

Aisha Yesufu, a human rights activist and supporter of the #EndSARS movement, says the demonstrations against police brutality have not ended, despite the decision by the federal government to prevent another round of protests.

For close to two weeks in October, Nigerians had taken to the streets to protest against police harassment and brutality under the #EndSARS campaign.

The protests, which began peacefully, was hijacked by suspected hoodlums, who launched attacks on police stations, correctional facilities, courts, and other government and private properties across the country.

Several Nigerians, including security operatives, lost their lives during the crisis.

Speaking with journalists after a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) on November 17, Muhammad Dingyadi, minister of police affairs, quoted President Muhammadu Buhari as saying that “he will do whatever it takes to ensure a repeat of EndSARS protests does not occur in Nigeria.”

There was also heavy security presence in select locations across the country on Monday, following reports of youths gathering for a second round of protests.

However, speaking with Arise TV on Tuesday, Yesufu said the government and police have no right to place a ban on demonstrations.

She said the police only need to be informed of the protests, so they can protect the activists, adding that the allegiance of the police should be to the Nigerian people and constitution, not to the president.

“I would say, the Nigerian police should understand that their allegiance is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and not to the president and the ruling party, and the right to protest is guaranteed under the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria,” she said.

“We’ve not seen the end of #EndSARS protests. Protests come in different forms and I tell you, this generation is sick and tired of being hounded to death.”