A socio-political group, Coalition for A Better Nigeria has condemned the looting of 100 AK-47 rifles and 2600 ammunitions during the violence that trailed the #EndSARS protest in Lagos State.
The group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, on Monday, urged patriotic individuals to investigate and report any discovery of firearms in their area to the nearest Police station.
“We are calling on our traditional rulers, community leaders, Civil Society members, youths and all patriotic individuals to do their investigation and report any discovery of firearms in their area to the nearest Police station because failure to do so means the same weapons will be used by these criminals against the community,” he said.
The National Coordinator said it is unthinkable that despite the gravity of havoc wrecked on innocent lives and properties of individuals, corporate organisations and governments across the country by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protest, some people can still be nursing the idea of coming back to the streets to start the second phase of the protest.
“No reasonable Human Rights’ Activist will like to protest under this kind of fragile condition except enemies of the state and men of the underworld, who are rooting for their selfish interests and all hands must be on deck to nip it in the bud.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with the former Heads of States and Governments and that of the Nigerian Traditional Council have made it clear to everyone trying to embark on this second phase of but unpopular protest, that he or she is on his or her own. Nigerians are now wiser and fully prepared with the turn of these events because these ugly incidents had never happened before to us.
“Coalition for A Better Nigeria, founded in 2009 and representing hundreds of credible organisations within and outside Nigeria is calling for a thorough investigation into the Lekki shootings and that of the historic damages done by the hoodlums during the #EndSARS protest so as to bring all the culprits that brought the country to this painful stage to book, to serve as deterrent to others. We are equally saying NO to another #EndSARS protest meant to destabilise the Nigerian economy.
“We have had enough of damages, maiming, looting, carnage and arson and only God knows when the nation will fully recover from the destruction,” Awa said.
According to Awa, restructuring is key to the positive turnaround of the system of administration which has always been leading to various forms of agitation in Nigeria.
He said: “To this regard and based on the APC 2015 electoral promise, we advise the Federal Government to start implementing the recommendations of the Mallam Nasir El – Rufai Committee without further delay.”
Meanwhile, the group has congratulated the 19th Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Bamalli, on his coronation ceremony.
“Many happy returns and happy birthday to Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, as well as Senator Teslim Folarin, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District @ 57.
“We mourn the two South West prominent leaders, Bobajiro of Ibadanland and former Head of Service, Oyo State, Chief Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele and former presidential candidate of National Action Council and Owa ‘Tapa of Itapa – Ijesa, Oba (Pastor) Olapade Agoro.
“May their gentle souls rest in peace,” the statement added.
