Amidst the #EndSARS protest, President M. Buhari held a virtual meeting with former heads of state and presidents on Friday, October 22nd, 2020.
President Buhari explained to the former leaders what his administration had mapped out to be done and had done as regards to the #EndSARS demands by the youths.
From the Tables of the presidency on Nigeria;
The President recounted the initial concessions made by his administration on the demands of youths protesting against excesses of some SARS members: “We accepted all the demands and proceeded immediately to scrap SARS and started the process of addressing the other demands.”
“Unfortunately, the protesters refused to call off the protest and engage the Government to address their grievances. Instead, they became emboldened and gradually turned violent.”
“We will continue to improve good governance through our democratic process including through sustained engagement.”
“’We shall also continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected. Here, I want to also reaffirm our commitment to preserving the unity of this country.”
At the meeting were all living past leaders, including: Gen. Yakubu Gowon, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abulsalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
They all commended President Buhari for being able to bring peace and calmness in the nation. He was also commended for his speech by Former president Obasanjo.
He said:
”I commend the speech of last night. The nation had been waiting. You made points that I believe need to be commended. Peaceful demonstration is part of democratic practice.”The demands of the genuine protesters were accepted, and you are working on implementation. We commend you.”
They also called on youths to pursue peaceful means in Conversing and engaging the government for any of their demands.
BTLEBLOGGER- Nanya
