Joy Anyim
The Anambra Traditional Rulers Council has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, and prosecute everyone indicted in the unfortunate incident.
Condemning the shooting, the Council stated that the protesters, whom were largely peaceful, were exercising their lawful and constitutional rights in protesting against brutality by the government, security agencies, and for good governance.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, the Council noted that the incident has done more harm and brought the nation to disrepute in the eyes of the world.
It said, “The traditional rulers of Anambra State have watched with deep concern the unfolding events of the past weeks leading to last Tuesday’s reported shooting to death of numerous unarmed and defenceless youths at the Lekki Toll Gate and possibly elsewhere in Lagos by soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
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“The youths, our children, were expressing their lawful and constitutional rights in protesting against the brutality of government security agencies, and for a change in the governance of the country with a view to better future for themselves and the coming generations.
“They were very peaceful, highly organised disciplined, and then rhetoric was forceful, but articulate and patriotic.
“Unfortunately, also, the subsequent and unprovoked shooting of the innocent protesting youths by the Nigerian soldiers has done incalculable harm to the already very fragile fabric of the nation bringing us to a tipping point once again, and earning disrepute in the eyes of the world.
“Accordingly, we, the traditional rulers of Anambra State, appeal to the youths of the nation and the security agencies to cease further escalation, violence and inflammatory expressions so as to create the enabling environment for the national quest for peace, reconciliation and mutual understanding.
“We call on His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, to exercise the inherent authority of his office and lead the nation in this noble quest.
“We urge him to urgently address the nation with a credible response to the grievances of the youths, proposals for lasting peace and harmony in the country, and the prosecution and due sanctions for the security agents and others that are found complicity in this unfortunate saga.”
The Council stated that although hoodlums had hijacked the protest leading to destruction of private and public properties, it was time to eschew violence and inflammatory expressions for peace and mutual understanding.
“Unfortunately, apparently well-organised hoodlums and miscreants distorted the orderly protests leading to the destruction of public and private buildings and assets in various parts of the country, which we strongly condemn,” the statement said.
The Council further commended the proactive initiative of the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and other State Governors, who have set up commissions of enquiry to address cases of police brutality.
It also enjoined the youths to participate actively in the enquires, and advised them to abstain from lawlessness and destruction of properties
The monarchs maintained that they would continue to engage the government for the good of the youths, and called for dialogue as a veritable means of resolving disputes.
“We, the traditional rulers and fathers of the nation have an abiding duty to continue to leverage the government, and engage our youths meaningfully with a view to charting the pathways for a sustainable future for our domains and communities based on sound education and self – reliance.
“They constitute the majority for our population and have the potential to power the development of the country if their creative energies are constructively harnessed.
“With specific reference to the youths of Anambra State, we urge you not to wreck the safety and security of lives and property in the state which we have painstakingly nurtured over several years. Let us continue to resolve our differences through dialogue,” it said.
While also calling for deep reflection and deep prayers for the nation, the Council urged political leaders to apply compassion, patience and humanity in dealing with the challenges bedeviling the nation.
