A group, ‘I stand With Buhari’, has informed the police in Abuja of its plan to hold a 10 million-man march in support of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
The Convener of the group, Ogochukwu Ezeaku, said this.He was positive that they would get a favourable response from the police. He said the march would take place at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday. Ezeaku said, “We have informed the police and I am sure there will be no problem.”
When asked if there would be no clash with #EndSARS protesters, Ezeaku said, “We know the End SARS people to be peaceful. Besides, our protest will take place in one spot which is the Unity Fountain.” The convener said the march was conceived to show the President that the majority of Nigerians were still with him. In a separate message on Facebook, the group stated that they would support the #EndSARS movement as long as it focuses on police excesses. It said the moment the protesters called for Buhari’s resignation, they would also launch a counter-offensive.
Many Buharists support #EndSARS but the moment you change the protest to any other silly hashtag you will know that we are 15 million strong!” it said.
Following the heightening protests against police brutality across the country, the Nigerian Army has warned it is prepared to protect the country’s democracy at all cost.
Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”
Lieutenant General TY Buratai (Chief of Army Staff)
According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.
“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.
Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”
According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.
“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.
Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has released statements concerning the END SARS protest.
He stated the following;
I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today. The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the CP, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides.
Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE Pres. @MBuhari in Abuja.
As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.
I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom.
Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.
A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation. All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.
My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.
I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.
We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos CP and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.
I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.
I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.
His imperial majesty , Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has made his grievances about the police brutality in Nigeria known via his Twitter account.
He stated the following;
” The #ENDSARS movement has brought nothing but joy to me. Finally, the youths are awake, with one voice and a common goal.”
“I understand your plight, my 25 year old daughter had a nasty experience with SARS, almost losing her life.”
“On her way to the airport, she was stopped and terribly ransacked and surrounded by fully armed plain clothes policemen in a bus, detained for close to 30mins of thorough questioning.”
“Imagine a young female for that matter, all her belongings completely searched all because she was with a laptop on an official assignment from her office in lagos. I can only imagine the countless ones that have lost their lives from such ordeals, may their souls rest in peace.”
“I assure you that this is the beginning of greater things to come in Nigeria. I implore you to demand for more, but plead with you to do so in a peaceful manner, as anything outside of that will cause unnecessary havoc for all.”
“I have been informed of many innocent souls that were arrested and currently been detained, be rest assured that I am pursuing the matter and they will be set free.”
“To the men and women of the Nigerian police force, be assured that this movement is also for you, we know you are humans also and your reality is as a result of your environment.”
“This movements demands better on your behalf, and is aimed at pushing the government to do better for you and elevate your standard of living. Do not persecute your advocates. God bless Nigerian youths and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY”
The Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has addressed the people of Oyo state concerning the killing of protesters by policemen in Ogbomosho.
He made his deepest regret known via the video he shared on his social media account. He stated that protest is a fundamental human right, below is the video of the governor’s address.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has announced the decision to dissolve the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the operatives will be redeployed to other police formations and commands.
Adamu announced this in a live broadcast on Sunday.
The announcement came after days of online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide.
At the briefing, the IGP said,
“The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36 states police command and the Federal Capital Territory.”
Frank Mba,Nigerian Police Force Public Officer has opined that some social media celebrities are using the End SARS campaign to grow their fan base.
He further noted that these celebrities are seeking public validation.
Frank Mba said in an Interview yesterday;
“I have seen some of those who are pushing for end SARS who are just pseudo-activists, people who are desperate for public validation, people who are looking to be seen as social media influencers and I will tell you these are the people that post false items, fake news.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday finally reacted for the call to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad over their alleged brutality in the country.
Nigerians have been protesting against the activities of the police operatives for some past few days.
Buhari in a statement released on Friday night noted that he had met with the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The president expressed his determination to reform the Police Force and ensure that officers are fully accountable to Nigerians.
The big brother NAIJA (BBN) season 5 winner, Laycon , advocates for youths on SARS issue. He disclosed this by sharing a video of him speaking with a top officer in the police force. He mentioned that he was once a victim of police harassment.
Laycon
The video below reveals his discussion with the top police officer.
“Advocating for change . We all deserve to feel safe in our cities. We should not have to seek for protection from the people that are meant to protect us.”
The Nigerian Police force has released statements on Twitter to address the “END SARS” protest and the killings associated with it.
Below are the statements;
“ENDSARS PROTESTERS GO BERSERK – MURDER 1 POLICEMAN, INJURE ANOTHER IN DELTA, STEAL AK47 RIFLE WITH 25 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION.”
“The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has condemned the unprovoked and violent attack on policemen and damage to police operational vehicles and other assets by ENDSARS protesters in Ughelli, Delta State, on Thursday, 8th October, 2020.”
“The incident which resulted in the unfortunate death of one Police officer, Corporal Etaga Stanley attached to ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, Delta State who was attacked and brutally murdered by the protesters also left another, Sergeant Patrick Okuone with serious body injury sustained from gunshot by the protesters. The protesters also carted away one (1) service AK47 rifle with breach no 56-2609008 and 25 rounds of live ammunition that was with the deceased at the time of the incident.”
“The IGP, who described the incident as cruel and unwarranted, has warned that the Force will no longer tolerate any attack on its personnel or any member of the law enforcement community by any individual or group protesting under any guise.”
“The IGP notes that protest by citizens remain a legitimate means for airing their concerns and views. It must however be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the confines of the law.”
“The IGP, while condoling the family and friends of the late Corporal Etaga Stanley who paid the supreme price in the service of our dear nation, equally commended the officers of the Delta State Police Command for exercising restraint in the face of the immoral and unjustified provocation.”
“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police, Delta State to carry out a discrete investigation into the unfortunate incident, root-out the perpetrators and bring the killer protesters to book.”
Below are snapshots of the original tweets as posted by the Nigerian Police force.
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