#EndSARS: What President Buhari Told Former Heads of States, Leaders Today
Thompson Nsisongabasi
Oct 23, 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari has described as unfortunate the way and manner the initial genuine and well-intended protest of youths in parts of the country against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was hijacked and misdirected.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Okowa Meets Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) Leaders
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said Buhari stated this in a virtual meeting with the former Nigerian leaders, in Abuja on Friday.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
The President reiterated that the government would not fold its arms and allow miscreants and criminals continue to perpetrate acts of hooliganism in the country.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
At the meeting were all living past leaders, including: Gen. Yakubu Gowon, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abulsalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
READ ALSO: Kaduna PFN Chairman Reveals How They Paid N4.5M to Abductors, The Language The Kidnappers Spoke
Buhari recounted the initial concessions made by his administration on the demands of youths protesting against the excesses of some members of the SARS.
He recalled the youths had demanded that the squad be disbanded, and further articulated the additional demands, including:
READ ALSO: Allow 2 Electorates Use Temporary Voters Card For Election - Court Orders INEC
ÔÇØThe immediate release of all arrested protesters.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
ÔÇØJustice for deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families.
READ ALSO: CBN announces decision to stop burning weak currency notes
ÔÇØSetting up an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of Police misconduct within 10 days.
READ ALSO: How FG Will Get Justice For Nigerians In Ghana, Osinbajo speaks
ÔÇØPsychological evaluation and re-training of all disbanded SARS officers before they can be re-deployed; and increase in Police salary.ÔÇØ
The President declared: ÔÇØWe accepted all the demands and proceeded immediately to scrap SARS and started the process of addressing the other demands.
ÔÇØUnfortunately, the protesters refused to call off the protest and engage the government to address their grievances. Instead, they became emboldened and gradually turned violent.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: EFCC Sets Special Task Force Against Dollarisation Of Economy, Currency Mutilation | READ DETAILS
Buhari expressed concern that in the mayhem that ensued, many lives had been lost, a number of public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised.
READ ALSO: Atiku, Okowa Meets Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) Leaders
While reiterating his pledge to Nigerians from the nationwide broadcast Thursday, the president reaffirmed:
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
ÔÇØWe will continue to improve good governance through our democratic process including through sustained engagement.
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
ÔÇØWe shall also continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.
READ ALSO: Kaduna PFN Chairman Reveals How They Paid N4.5M to Abductors, The Language The Kidnappers Spoke
"Here, I want to also reaffirm our commitment to preserving the unity of this country.ÔÇØ
The President thanked the former Heads of State for attending the meeting and their invaluable comments, observations and advice, adding that ÔÇØNigerians expect nothing less from responsible statesmen.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Allow 2 Electorates Use Temporary Voters Card For Election - Court Orders INEC
The statement said each of the former leaders commended President Buhari for steps taken so far to restore calm and order to the country.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
They also applauded the presidential broadcast of Thursday as detailed and soothing to the country.
READ ALSO: CBN announces decision to stop burning weak currency notes
(NAN)
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— Thompson Nsisongabasi