ActionAid Nigeria has applauded the level of resilience demonstrated by Nigerian youths within the past few weeks amidst the violence that has trailed peaceful protests, whilst raising their voices against injustice and demanding for good governance.
In a statement signed by the country director, Ene Obi, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) noted that the resolve of the youths to remain peaceful in making their demands despite the attacks, violence, killings, hijack of the peaceful protests by hoodlums and provocative silence of the Federal Government has not gone unnoticed.
AAN called for thorough investigation into what transpired at Lekki, insisting that the rights of youths have been trampled upon with the use of maximum force and military actions.
The non-governmental organization demanded that those who ordered the shooting, as well as the officers who fired at peaceful protesters must be brought to book openly for Nigerians to see.
“As a non-governmental organisation working to end poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria, we are deeply saddened and call on the President to commit to justice for all the victims injured and families of those who lost their lives as a result of the #EndPoliceBrutality campaign across the nation.
“As a development partner in the forefront of achieving social justice in Nigeria, we renew our commitment to support young Nigerians to take their space and ensure good governance in Nigeria. We urge the youths to organise peacefully and sustain the momentum of their quest for a participatory, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and inclusive governance that follows the rule of law,” the statement read.
AAN also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to give clear-cut responses to all demands of the protesters, provide definite timelines for government’s response to youths’ demands and investigate those who smuggled hoodlums to disrupt the peaceful protests, attack their fellow citizens and destroy properties.
“Government at all levels must allow youths to stand united for the country and desist from using young Nigerians for political gain.”
ActionAid Nigeria also called on all state Governors to sue for peace by recognising all the lapses in the Presidential speech for prompt enforcement.
