#ENDSARS: CEPEJ appeals to Nigerian youths to shun violence

The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has called on the EndSARS protesters to remain peaceful, end the protest and embrace dialogue with relevant authorities, in order to save lives and property.

Speaking on behalf of the NGO, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, the National Coordinator, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, said it has become necessary to call on Nigerian youths, particularly the ENDSARS protesters to stop the protest since their peaceful protest has turned violent with bloodshed and wanton destruction of lives and property.

He appealed to them to listen to the voices of reasoning and end the protest now, as they had registered their demands through organized and peaceful protests in parts of the country.

Comrade Mulade stated that the youths taking to the streets symbolized a rebirth, a new dawn in the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. He described the protest as an eye opener and a road map to good governance in the country.

The CEPEJ boss appealed to the youths to stop the offensive so as not to attract similar reactions from security operatives.

He said, “There is definitely going to be a turn around and positive changes are likely going to occur; this is the best time to back out from the protest that has gained global recognition, especially when the ovation is loudest, and Government at all levels and religious leaders have heard their voices.“

Comrade Mulade also strongly appealed to all Nigerians to give peace a chance to enable President Muhammadu Buhari, State Governors and other authorities, address the concerns of the Nigerians youths.

He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on security agencies to exercise caution so as not to shoot at armless and peaceful protesters legitimately requesting for good governance, justice, as well as an end to police brutality and corruption.

He said CEPEJ, like all other civil society organisations, is closely watching and taking record of actions, inactions and reactions of the various stakeholders in the EndSARS protests, and urged government at all levels to demonstrate its political will by taking positive and decisive steps to address the genuine requests made by the Nigerian youths during the protests.