The North-South Progressive Movement (NOSOP), have condemned last Tuesday’s brutal killings and mayhem unleashed on #EndSARS protesters by military operatives at Lekki Tollgate, Lagos.
The group which recognized the legitimate rights of youths to present its demands to the government through peaceful demonstration, however, regretted that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums and thugs in some states.
NOSOP, in a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Dr. John Nwobodo, on Friday, appealed for absolute peace and calm across the country, saying it would give room for government to go into negotiation and address the concerns of the youths “as there can be no meaningful achievement in an atmosphere of chaos and instability.”
According to the statement, “We at NOSOP condemn in very strong terms the killing of armless youths protesting against a cause they felt strongly and passionately about. Protest is a recognized means of expressing public opinion and the right to peaceful assembly is a constitutional guaranteed right in Nigeria.
“However, it is regrettable that hoodlums and miscreants hid under the cover of #EndSARS protest to unleash destruction of public infrastructure and economic assets including private investments of hardworking Nigerians. This unfortunate incident made it inevitable for some States to impose dusk to dawn curfew to restore peace and order with the attendant economic losses and disruption of public services.
“It is the view of NOSOP that the gains achieved by the initial peaceful protest will amount to nothing but wasted efforts if the protests persist. It is in the interest of the protesters and government as well as the citizenry to ensure that there is absolute peace in the country. There can be no meaningful achievement in an atmosphere of chaos and instability. The country is currently grappling with enormous leadership and developmental challenges and adding to the challenge will put the country at a risk of collapse of the economy and national cohesion.
“Granted that Nigeria is not where it should be but the desired level cannot be attained by acts which are inimical to peace and unity or by resort to criminality.
“On behalf of the Nigerian youths, NOSOP offers to lead the engagement with the government on implementation of the demands of Nigerian youths.
“We realize the huge task of governance and the fact that a lot depends on funding. We advise the government to prioritize the demands of our youths and take concrete, precise and measurable steps to addressing their demands. Furthermore, we appeal to the youths to heed the advice of Mr. President as contained in the Presidential broadcast of October 22, 2020 to withdraw from the streets. We appeal also to the security and law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians and ensure that law abiding citizens go about their businesses without let or hindrance.
“NOSOP enjoins Nigerians to maintain peace and show tolerance in these challenging moments. This too will pass.”
