President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated that while Nigerians are free to protest in line with laws of the land, those who hide under #EndSARS protests to perpetrate hooliganism would be dealt with decisively.
President Buhari said this at the opening of the 2020 edition Chief of Army Staff Conference.
The warning comes just as a second wave of the #EndSARS protest is being planned by Nigerian youth.
Recall that in the month of October, the protest against police brutality and the excesses of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), were staged across major cities in the country.
According to President Buhari, “Let me also mention the EndSARS protests which was recently hijacked by hoodlums which resulted in loss of lives and property in many situations across the country.
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“I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests.
“However, this must be done responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land. I also want to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind the peaceful protests, will be highly dealt with decisively to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.
“On this note, I commend the Nigeria army for their efforts to swiftly restore law and order in many states during the last scale of criminality that ensued in the wake of the EndSARS protests.”
The President also commanded the Army for its unwavering commitment in curtailing the activities of armed insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent groups through ongoing exercises in different parts of the country.
