You Are Killing Nigerian Youths With Your Silence, NANS Tells Buhari

The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students Southwest Zone (NANS Zone D) has said that President Buhari has failed to live up to his sworn oath.

The Deputy Coordinator, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman condemned the mayhem on the ENDSARS protesters who expressed their constitutional right to demand safety, security and good governance yesterday at Lekki Tollgate, Lagos and other parts of the country.

He added that the protection of citizen's lives, properties and provision of welfarism is a sworn oath of the Buhari-led administration. 

 ''Today, we say without mixing words that  this administration has failed to live up to this singular oath. 

''It is the first time in our generation as millennials to witness such cold blooded massacre of unarmed citizen by men of Nigerian Armed Force in a peaceful protest. An era when the rest of the world is celebrating a flourishing democracy. We still nurse the tendencies of authoritarianism and oligarchy.

''In a country where we have a democratically elected government, some blood hungry and armed security personnels decided to open fire on citizens who were unarmed. This is not only horrible and undemocratic, it is a broad day violation of the UDHR pact which was signed by the Nigerian Government.

''We would expect that a responsive and people centric government would have by now come up with at least an interim quick responses that will give protesters a signal of positive attention to their agitations. 

''This is the era of democracy. The people's will should always be made priority as we are the government. It’s unfortunate that an entire thirteen days have gone and the masses simple protest had to degenerate into a genocide as witnessed yesterday. 

''Upon the government's dissolution of the Police Unit as announced by the IGP a couple of days ago, we still have evidence based report of the active functioning of some of the SARS operatives in some parts of the country. 

''We would expect that the operation or the unit be immediately and indefinitely suspended, and an enquiry committee be set up to receive and investigate the hundreds of reports bearing horrific stories of havoc that has been purportedly wrecked by this Police unit. An immediate prosecution of all indicted officers should follow immediately and be made public. 

''Yesterday has been tagged a BLACK_TUESDAY as the lives of many young people was cut in an avoidable cold blooded massacre. 

Our Demands.

The President, Muhammadu Buhari should immediately address Nigerians. His silence has done more harm than good.

''The government should immediately proscribe SARS and immediate investigation should be launched into the cause of agitation and every officer found culpable should be brought to book.

''The federal government should set up a compensation fund for as many individuals and families who have suffered the highhandedness and brutality of the Police Force generally in the loss of their loved ones.

''A regional policing bill should be proposed and considered as long term solution to the problem of Police brutality as there are some regions of the country that insist the operation of SARS as been credible than condemnable for them. Every region have unique and differing degree of law enforcement agency operations.

''Finally, we are in total support of the conditions spelt out to be met for the Presidency before any future appropriation bill be considered for approval by NASS.

''Our hearty condolences goes to the families of those who lost their lives in the course of this battle for freedom. They are indeed our heroes.

''The Southwest leadership of all Nigerian Students under the leadership of Comrade Kappo Olawale Samuel keenly admonishes students and youths to stay safe and seek caution while we continue fearlessly and unbroken in the fight for the deliverance of our dear home from bad governance and corruption''. He concluded.