President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that his government would, henceforth, not hesitate to deal decisively with any group of misguided elements who masquerade as peaceful protesters to disrupt the peace of the nation, even as some youths are threatening to begin a renewed wave of #EndSARS protests across the country.
The president who spoke at the opening of the 2020 edition of the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja, said it was regrettable that the recent #EndSARS peaceful protests in the country was hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in wanton destruction of lives and property, stressing that such act which he regarded as hooliganism would not be allowed to reoccur.
He said, “I want to reiterate our government commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests. However, this must be done responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land. I also want to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind the peaceful protests, will be highly dealt with decisively to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.”
Demonstrating his aversion to the constant calls for the removal of service chiefs over the current wave of insecurity in the country, Buhari rather, praised them to high heavens, saying, “I commend the military for their unwavering commitment in curtailing the activities of armed insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent groups through ongoing exercises in different parts of the country.”
The State Online recalls a nationwide wave of youth protest against police brutality and extra-judicial killings by personnel of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), in October, which was, mid way, hijacked by hoodlums who resorted to wanton destruction of lives and property across the country, especially, Lagos.
- Tags: Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Army, #ENDSARS