This is a sequel to our Editorial in yesterday’s edition of The Chronicle, which called for attention on Nigeria over the ongoing police-citizens impasse.
We questioned where the citizens of Nigeria would run to after destroying their country looking at the way the protest which started peacefully is getting violent and out of hand.
Whilst we acknowledged the fact that the concerns of the citizens must be addressed by the Nigerian government, we also noted that it was unlawful for the protesters to, as part of their agitations, attack and destroy state installations and properties.
The peaceful protest in Nigeria started in early October when a video went viral on social media showing a SARS officer allegedly attacking a man in Delta State. The video was massively shared online, and thousands of citizens started telling their own stories about police abuse.
SARS is the abbreviation for the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a Nigerian Police Unit tasked over the past three decades with fighting violent crimes, including banditry and kidnapping.
Some Nigerians hit the streets to demonstrate for the repeal of the SARS, which has been accused of unlawful detention, extortion and extra-judicial killings.As part of the protest, a campaign has been launched on social media with the hashtag “EndSARS.”
Bowing to the pressure of the people, President Muhammadu Buhari announced on October 11 that SARS would be dissolved with immediate effect, but this announcement did not appease the protesters.
After the government announced the unit would be dissolved, thousands of mainly young protesters stayed out on the streets pushing for genuine change in the country.
However the protest has become violent, as last Monday, a crowd of people stormed a prison in Benin City and freed about 200 inmates. Protesters have also attacked police stations and vehicles in various parts of the country.
There was a violent crackdown by the police on some of the protesters. At least, 10 people were killed and hundreds injured, according to Amnesty International.
In yesterday’s Editorial, we condemned in no uncertain term, the ruckus, no matter who triggered it.
At the time of writing this piece, the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), as well as its Chairman, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had issued statements calling for calm.
The United Nations and other key personalities across the world, including Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, United States of America, have also added their voices urging for peace.
Today, whilst acknowledging the steps that these authorities have taken on the EndSARS matter, we want to further urge that it should not end at mere statements. We call for practical measures to be taken with the speed of light to curtail the issue.
We at The Chronicle are particularly alarmed at the increasing tension in Nigeria because of its close relationship with Ghana.
Ghana stands to be impacted hugely should the matter escalate. Further, not only would Ghana suffer, but the entire African continent and even the world, considering the population of Nigeria, which is in the range of 200 million.
More importantly, if the issue is not immediately resolved amicably, an obvious negative effect would be on trade in the sub-region. Internal and external trades in Nigeria would be affected greatly, especially at a time when West African countries are readying to commence the famous African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact.
The impact of the protest will lead to losing investors, as the ongoing crisis would threaten the survival of businesses in Nigeria, more reason, practical steps must be taken now.
For us at The Chronicle, we shudder to think why the neighbouring countries, and for that matter, the UN, AU, ECOWAS and EU among others would sit aloof and watch Nigeria burn, as the country does not house only its citizens but other nationals.
As such, it is our fervent hope that beyond the usual diplomatic statements, decorated with pedantic dictions, there would be practical ways to help Nigeria be at peace before it is too late.
The post Editorial: EndSARS: World Bodies Must Go Beyond Mere Statements appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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