As a result of the ongoing protest to end the activities of special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS ) the former vice president and who is also the presidential candidate of Peoples’ Democratic Party ( PDP ) in the last election, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has commended Nigerian Youths for being fearless and bold in their agitation.
Atiku Abubakar says, “Protests are an essential part of any democracy as we have seen the world over, and should be seen as an opportunity for dialogue between our people and our leaders”.
He therefore condemned the disproportionate use of force on protesters across the nation by security operatives.
His full reaction reads:
“I woke up to the peaceful #EndSARSProtests going on in Lagos and other cities in the country.
First, I would like to commend the tenacity of our brave youths who have stayed out on the streets all day and night to make their voices heard. I stand with you all.
Protests are an essential part of any democracy as we have seen the world over, and should be seen as an opportunity for dialogue between our people and our leaders.
Thus, it is essential that the fundamental rights of Nigerians to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression must be protected at all costs.
I strongly condemn any disproportionate use of force on protesters across the nation.
I also call on the relevant authorities to ensure our youths are heard, and all incidents of excessive use of force by security agencies against protesters are investigated”.
