By By Habeeb Ibrahim
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pardon young Nigerians who fought for justice during the EndSARS protest, referring to them as his grandchildren.
He made this statement while speaking at a special dinner organized to mark Democracy Day at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
“Mr. President, thank you for the honor and privilege. Please do something about the prisoners because they were the ones who hosted us during those dark days of struggle.
“Mr. President, there are still some people in detention as a result of the EndSARS protest. They were young people who were protesting for justice, freedom, and democracy.
“Any young protester in Nigeria today can learn from you, because you were the father of protest in Nigeria. Do something about it and give them their freedom. You taught us to start up and fight, so they are your children and grandchildren; give them a pardon.”
Shehu Sani also told President Bola Tinubu that he had a duty to succeed. He said, in part, “Mr. President, I would like to draw your attention to this fact and truth: a national anthem cannot unite a nation, a national pledge cannot unite a nation, a constitution cannot unite a nation. A nation is united by the ideals of freedom, equity, and justice.
“This democracy was not a gift given to us by the military; it was not a lottery that we won. It was a product of struggle and sacrifice. Mr. President, you have a duty to succeed.
“If you succeed, we will share your glory because you came from the trenches, you came from that struggle, you came from that period of struggle. Mr. President, if you fail, they will say that those of you who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer Nigeria.”
