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President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday, has appealed to Nigerian youths that the time to end the street protests and embrace meaningful negotiations and dialogue has come.
This was contained in the President’s message to the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, which was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, themed “Invest in the youth, secure our future”. The president was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Muhammad Bello, who told the gathering that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by the Presidency advised them not to be afraid to come out to dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police.
He said that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests. He, however, added that they needed to stop the protests before “forces and actors” will take over the protests in order to redirect them in ways the youth did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
In his words, ”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.”
”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,” he stated.
The President emphasized that ”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.”
He added, saying: ”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavours.”
Buhari reiterated his position that it is wrong to use violence to disperse peaceful protesters and warned against using security agents to brutalise peaceful protesters.
“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 brutalised by law enforcement agencies,” he said, explaining: “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.”
The president, however, argued that “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.
Buhari described Nigerian youths as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, while stating that his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country. He equally announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on October 12, 2020.
Ganiu Oloruntade
