#EndSARS Protest: African Youth For Change Calls For Dialogue

A non political organisation, African Youth for Change Forum, has called on Nigerian youth to embrace dialogue as they show their concerns over the state of the nation through the ongoing #EndSARS protest.

The unprecedented nationwide protest, which began two weeks ago, has paralysed both human and economic activities in major cities across Nigeria.

President of African Youth for Change Forum, Prince Hammed Olanrewaju Mohammed told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that while in support of the agitation of the teeming Nigerian youths against the excesses of the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police, the Forum believes the protesters are equally exercising their constitutional right, which must be done within the ambit of the law and the rights of other Nigerians.

“I must salute the courage of the Nigerian youths as they press home their demands to end police brutality in Nigeria. This is truly a new dawn for the youths in this country. This has shown that our youths are not lazy afterall,” Prince Mohammed said.

“I want to equally appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for quickly acceding to some of the demands of the protesters by disbanding the notorious SARS and the directive to the state governors to inaugurated judicial panels of enquiry in their respective states. This is unprecedented in our nation’s history that protest like this will make the government to bow.

“Having said these, I want to appeal to our teeming youths to sheath their swords and give room for dialogue so that peace can  reign. I know that anger of over the years suffering and pains fuelled this protest, but we should know that this country belongs to all of us; we cannot because of this bring this nation down.

“Disturbing news we are hearing about the hijack of the protest by hoodlums and killing of innocent souls, as well as jailbreak that led to prisoners being let loose is rather so unfortunate. We were told that the latest development has brought the number of death victims to no fewer than 16 since the beginning of the protest against police brutality. All this must stop now.

“Our youth should open room for dialogue with the government so that we can jointly find lasting solutions to these myriad of problems facing us as a people. Let us give this government the benefit of doubt to see the next steps it will take to address the demands of our youths,” Prince Mouhammed said.