Mid October the youths took to the streets in protest in an unprecedented move asking for social justice reforms nationwide. The protests escalated in the last days with violent confrontations between law enforcement and the students. In various cities police have opened fire at protesters; deaths and casualties have been reported.
Students share undying contempt for the present and previous governments. The #EndSars movement is a child of necessity aimed to address oppression and inequality against the youths.
At the heart of these protests is the tension between the corrupt ruling class and the people, which is the exclusion of youths from education, work, business and politics.
Empowered for decades by multinational concerns, the Nigerian government cannot claim blindness of the excesses of police crimes against youths.
The government has systematically used SARS and other police forces as gatekeepers to protect their loots as well as to suppress the citizens of Nigeria.
Though long overdue; the abandonment of the youth has sadly reached a point of no-return. The only option was to take to the streets and exercise their constitutional rights.
We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the students and we hope that this new energy will be channelled towards the introduction of progressive politics, where Equality, Justice and Education are of primary concern for the Nigerian society.
Our condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones – Their struggles will never be forgotten.
Dr. Paul I. Oviawe
23-October-2020