The National Economic Council (NEC) has issued a statement warning against the planned October 20 #EndSARS anniversary protest by members of the public.
The Council advised those interested in taking part in the protest to explore alternative means to air their lawful grievances.
They cautioned that the protest might once again be hijacked by hoodlums who do not understand the objective and heighten the tension that already pervades the land.
NEC gave the advisory in a statement released on Friday, the 15th of October during the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
NEC, presided over by the Vice President, comprises the 36 state governors, ministers in charge of the economy as well as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The council urged the organisers of the protest to consider the fact that the recommendations of the of the various panels at different stages of implementation including the set up of victim’s compensation funds.
The statement by NEC:
“While appreciating the role of lawful peaceful protests in the advancement of public discourse under democratic governance, the National Economic Council strongly advise those planning public protests across the country to mark the anniversary of the #EndSARS, to consider other lawful alternative means of engagement.
“This is because of the current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem at such protest events and venues. Council, therefore, urges the organisers to reconsider their plan.
“NEC would also like to point out the various actions already taken by Federal and State Governments to address the grievances that led to the 2020 protests.
“The disbandment of SARS; broad police reforms; establishment of judicial panels of inquiries to investigate allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies; recommendations of panels which are already at various stages of implementation, including the setup of Victims Compensation Funds from which several victims have received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels; and prosecution of police personnel indicted by the panels.
“These are commendable actions that ought to be taken to a logical conclusion in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Organisers of the planned protests should explore the various channels of communication with governments at various levels to advance their positions and avert the breakdown of law and order that may result from such public protests.”
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EndSARS Anniversary: NEC Issues Statement on Planned Action