PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said in Ile-lfe, Osun State, that President Muhammadu Buhari should as the father of the nation expeditiously remove the lid on the boiling steam and attend to the agitattions of the #EndSARS protesters.
Describing the EndSARS protest as the product of an extensive agitation by the Nigerian youths that needed to be attended to by the government, he said: “More than 65 percent of our population are under the ages of 18 and 30; they are not only struggling to acquire education, they are also aspiring for the best that life can offer them.
“Some of them did not even get educated, while those who are educated are getting frustrated because of lack of opportunities. We must realize that the lid on the boiling steam would have to be removed.’’
Obasanjo spoke when he paid a visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
Persecondnews had reported that the 13-day countrywide protest has claimed several lives of the protesters following attacks by people believed to be hoodlums and Pro-SWAT protesters in Abuja, Ado Ekiti, Akure, Lagos and Osogbo among other places.
Lagos and Ogun governments have inaugurated Judicial Panel of Inquiry into police brutalities particularly by the disbanded SARS as directed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).
Also, Justice Minister Abubakar Salami had on Monday received a list of 35 errant SARS officers for prosecution in court and dismissal.
He appealed to the #EndSARS protesters across the country to sheathe their swords to pave way for negotiation with government at all levels.
Obasanjo, who was President from 1999 to 2007, said: “But I believe that there are windows of opportunity which the government can explore to show that it cares about the people’s welfare, especially the youths, as the father of the country and particularly, as the father of the youth.
“Fortunately, the President has children, and he knows how youths behave. I believe that the opportunities can still be taken to let the youth know that he, as a father, understands their plight and that his government understands their plight and he is ready to make life better for them.”
Oba Ogunwusi appealed to the #EndSARS protesters across the country to end the protest to allow for government’s response to their demands.
The first-class monarch described the protests as a clear message by the Nigerian youths to the government.
He, however, appealed to the youths to give the government the chance to attend to their demands fully.
“If you look at the EndSARS protests, you will see that our youths have what it takes to rule the country. Since day one, they have shown leadership, accountability and a huge sense of responsibility, which has sent a clear message to the government.
“Every day at 11:50 pm, they displayed their financial update, and to me, I am highly amazed by their sense of accountability. As a youth leader myself, I’m proud that we all have communicated our ideas, and it’s heartwarming that we have been heard.
“Dear youths, it’s time to ceasefire so as to prevent those with ulterior motives from hijacking the peaceful message of peace,” Ogunwusi said.
Ogunwusi added: “The whole world is aware of our peaceful conduct, and we must not let some bad elements tarnish this enviable integrity.
“Once again, I wish to urge our youths to stop the protests, for now and give peace a chance. This will prevent the government from using force.”
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