A non-governmental organization (NGO); Peace & Conflict Resolution Resource Centre (PEACrEc) has joined the ranks of concerned organizations and individuals appealing to Nigerian youths to call off the two-week old ENDSARS protest which has been hijacked by violent elements.
In a press statement issued by Onome Votu on Friday on behalf of the Centre, PEACrEc highlighted the fact that it was the right of the youths to embark on peaceful protest as enshrined in Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
It added that the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security under the protection pillar of the Resolution re-affirms that “states must respect and ensure the human right of all individuals, including youth within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for, by relevant international laws and that ” each bears the primary responsibility to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
The NGO regretted the fact that for decades, Nigerians have faced inhuman treatment in the hands of some bad elements in the Nigeria Police Force especially personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which invariably prompted the ENDSARS protest.
While commending the peaceful manner the protesting youths had conducted themselves for more than ten days, PEACrEc condemned the infiltration and hijacking of the peaceful process by those it described as “unscrupulous elements” who introduced violence into the process, thereby precipitating the alleged shooting of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate; an incident which is now a subject of controversy currently being investigated by military authorities and the Lagos State Government.
The NGO further stated that “while we acknowledge the government’s response in disbanding SARS, we have several regrets about the failure of government to properly communicate the sincerity of its actions. We also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the state governors especially of Lagos State for making very conspicuous and concerted efforts to identify with the aspirations of the protesting youths.
“Now that the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who have gone ahead to unleash mayhem, destroying and looting” PEACrEc has enjoined the youths to step back, end the protest and adopt dialogue in actualising the remaining parts of their five point demand.
The NGO which was founded some years ago to promote peace and resolve conflicts in the society has also challenged government to act promptly and decisively on all actions it has already agreed to take, in response to the demand from the protest.
The Federal Government is also enjoined to revisit several Presidential Commissions of Inquiry on Police Reforms (headed by reputable and former Inspectors General of Police in the past) with a view to identifying recommendations that may still be relevant for implementation.
The Centre pointed out that the “demand for good governance is the inalienable right of every citizen in every nation of the world.” It stated that “while we urge the government to recognise this without considering or making enemies of those who so advocate, we also urge the youth to remain resolute in the quest for it, through only non-violent measures.”
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/endsars-ngo-applauds-protesters-calls-for-dialogue/
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