President Buhari has urged Nigerian youths to take part in discussions about police reform #EndSars

 

                Photo credits: Garba Shehu Source: Facebook

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to youths in Nigeria to end street protests and get involved in negotiations aimed at ending police brutality in the country. Buhari made the appeal on Sunday, November 1, at an event to mark the maiden national youth day celebration.

According to a statement issued by a presidential aide, Garba Shehu the president who was represented by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, said his administration has heard the demands of the Nigerian youths.

He noted that it is time for the protest against police brutality to move from the streets to the negotiation table, just like other protests movements have done in the past.

The president urged the youths to welcome discussions and appealed to them not to be afraid to come forward to negotiate. Buhari said:

It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavor

The president stated that abolished the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) because of his beliefs in the people’s constitutional rights.

He noted that allowing protests is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and belief in democracy.