President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerian youths to shun street protests and engage government in meaningful dialogue with the government.
He said this on the occasion of the National Youth Day which coincided with the African Youth Day on the 1st of November.
The President’s call comes in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests which saw the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The SARS was known for reckless, brutality, extortion and extra-judicial killing of youths across the country.
Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu at the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future,” the President said that:
”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us,’’
”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.
Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.
Garba Shehu reports the President as saying that, “You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.
”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it
”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 endeavour,” he said.
President Buhari also used the occasion to express his strong opposition to the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people
”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.
The President, according to Shehu added that ”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.
”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.
”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,” he said.
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