A socio-political group, Coalition for a Better Nigeria, has warned #EndSARS protesters not to allow the country descend to anarchy.
The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, said although peaceful protests is an integral part of democracy, it must not be allowed to cause civil unrest in the country.
He said: “Peaceful protests is an integral part of democracy, and that is why the Federal and State Governments in the last 12 days have treated the protesters in a civilised manner. But we must be cognizant of the fact that it has taken a different dimension and has been hijacked by hoodlums and people with ulterior motive.
“With the latest attacks on the convoys of the two sitting governors-Gboyega Oyetola and Kayode Fayemi of Osun State and Ekiti States respectively; attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III; attack on the public and private facilities; killing of Mr Yohanna Shankuku, the driver of the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN); blocking Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State till he smartly escaped the mob action with Okada man while his security aides guided him on both sides; killings of protesters in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Edo and other parts of the country by unknown and yet to be identified gunmen or through road accidents. We saw a viral video that showed some hoodlums walking naked in public procession among the genuine protesters, it is obvious that the original conveners of the protests, who might have meant well are no longer in control of this volatile situation that can lead to anarchy, if government does not take firm and urgent steps to protect the lives and livelihood of innocent Nigerians.”
Awa added that the protests have gone beyond a peaceful one against excesses and abuse of power by the police, noting that there is nowhere in the world where government will fold its arms and allow the country descend into anarchy.
“While we condemn these ugly situations, we are also in full support of a thorough investigation into all these incidents with a view to bringing perpetrators to book,” he said.
The group also congratulated the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on the occasion of his 82nd birthday; and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife on his 46th birthday.
“We rejoice with young Uchechi Promise Echefu from Mbeke village in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State as she bagged first class honours and emerged the best graduating student from the Nigeria Defence Academy (Navy).
“We mourn the literary icon, Prof John Pepper Clark – Bekederemo; the late mother of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mrs Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde; and Mrs Tola Oyediran, the eldest Child of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“We commiserate with their individual state governors, families and friends and Associates.
“May their souls rest in peace,” Awa concluded.
