AYDEC-Nigeria's Press Release on #EndSars, #EndPoliceBrutality Protests in Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE ON THE #ENDSARS, #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY PROTESTS IN NIGERIA

Good day distinguished Pan-Africans,
African Youth for Development Commission (AYDEC) Nigeria Headquarters had keenly observed the recent developments in the country, especially in light of the #EndSars and #EndPoliceBrutality Peaceful Protests across the country.

We are deeply pained that this #EndSars peaceful agitation, largely coordinated by young Nigerians, later got hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants who didn't mean well for the country.

More importantly, AYDEC-Nigeria absolutely condemns the ugly incidence of military attack on the unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday night (20th October, 2020). We believe; that though the protesters stayed stiff in defiance to the Government's directive on curfew in Lagos State (which is inappropriate and uncalled for), the military should have been tactical and applied high-level military intelligence in dispersing the gathering.

While calling for situation calmness, we sue for thorough investigation into the whole 'saga' and appeal to our teeming youth to await detailed reports on the sad incidence from relevant authorities. This will decisively help in establishing justice, curbing the widely circulated misinformation and mitigating likely pre-planned reprisals alongside the post-incidence casualties.

Unfortunately, AYDEC-Nigeria was also startled and kept aback at the role of wide spread fake news, mostly on social media platforms, during the protests-turned-riot in Lagos State; consequences of which led to mass looting, loss of lives, destruction and burning of private properties and public infrastructures amongst other casualties.Indeed, it was an ugly incidence. The Government, CSO's, NGO's and all relevant authorities need to rise in full strength against these repugnant acts of incessant spreading of Fake News which are inimical to purposeful development and our existence as a peace-loving people.

Beyond the dastardly acts, we believe that the strong voice of young Nigerians, through the #EndSars Protests, was loudly heard, wide and clear. This begins an unforgettable journey towards correcting excesses of the government and instilling the ideals of good governance across the country.

AYDEC-Nigeria hereby calls on the Federal Government to be more proactive and take pragmatic steps towards yielding to the "5for5 Demands" alongside other requests of the protesters. We also commend the steps taken thus far by the Federal Government in disbanding the FSARS Police Unit in Nigeria and composition of Panel of Judicial Enquiry across some States, with commitment to compensate genuine victims of Police brutality in the country.

We implore all the entire Nigerian Youths, especially AYDEC members from all our 36 State Chapters and FCT Abuja to remain law-abiding, resolutely focused, calm and patriotic at this trying time.

Nigeria belongs to us, and together we shall build a strong, united and peaceful country we so much desire. These PAINS will not go in VAIN; till we collectively achieve the GAINS.

Regards and best wishes of safety, peace and progress from all of us at AYDEC-Nigeria Headquarters.

Yours in youth development,



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Lateef Oladimeji Salaam

Country Representative (Nigeria),

African  Youth for Development Commission (AYDEC)

+2348029082179

aydec.nigeriaoffice@gmail.com

22nd October, 2020