Bala Dauda
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday appealed to #ENDSARS protesters to embrace peace and stop the protest in the interest of the country, since their demand had been met.
APC Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Committee and Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe made the plea in a statement released in Damaturu.
He said the party recognized the inalienable right of citizens to demand for change in any policy that trampled on their liberty and freedom, but such demand should be peaceful and within the ambit of the law.
“ We acknowledge the peaceful commencement of the protest, until it became violent disorderly as hoodlums regrettably seized the opportunity in the protest and virtually took over.
“ It is imperative for the youths to extricate themselves from the activities of criminal elements who have taken over the protest and perpetrating violence distruction of property and attacking innocent Nigerians,” Mala-Buni said.
The chairman said the party condoled with the families of policemen and other Nigerians who lost their loved ones and property during the carnage, praying God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said the party welcomed comprehensive reforms including the disbandment of SARS and the review of salaries of Nigerian police, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mala-Buni called on politicians to avoid using the protest to score political points.
“ let us reflect and embrace peace; a time of national tragedy such as this should not be a time for playing politics, it is no time to dance to the gallery to score cheap points, it is a time for introspection and Nigeria first.
“ Let us come together irrespective of our political religious and ethnic differences and rally around the government to build sanity and strengthen peace an unity to ensure corporate existence of our country.
“ As a party we will take every step to support the government to bring this unwholesome situation to an immediate end and make sure that all those found culpable face the wrath of the law.
“ For it is the desire of all Nigerians that a peaceful atmosphere returns to the country for the good of our country men; we have no other country than Nigeria”, Mala-Buni said.
