#EndSARS: President Muhammadu Buhari Issues Strong Warning As Fresh Protests Begin
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said Nigerians are at liberty to freely express themselves in a democracy government but warned that the government will not tolerate any acts of hooliganism.
The president said hooligans hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The President issued the warning while virtually declaring open the chief of army staff’s annual conference 2020 on Monday, December 7.
President Buhari, who spoke in a virtual arrangement commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at swiftly restoring law and order in various states during what he described as “the large-scale criminality” that ensued in the wake of the #ENDSARS protests.
Reiterating Government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land, the president recounted that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.
The President described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life. He said:
“Let me also mention the EndSARS protest which was recently hijacked by hoodlums which resulted in loss of lives and property in many situations across the country. 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.”
