The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday called on the Nigerian youths to ceasefire, stressing that their message have been heard loud and clear.
Yobe state Governor and Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the party, Mai Mala Buni made this call in statement in Abuja.
He stated that “Te APC is saddened by the unfortunate tragedy that had enveloped some parts of the country in the last few days by hoodlums who took over what was supposed to be a peaceful protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
“The party therefore “pleads with Nigerians to halt the #EndSARS protests for the collective corporate interest of our dear country. We have no other country than Nigeria.
“To our youth, your message has been heard loud, clear, and well understood. The next stage that must follow is the needed engagement with all the structures of government to address all the concerns around the protest and effectiveness of government in general. It is imperative for the youths to extricate themselves from the activities of the criminal elements who have taken over the protests and perpetrating violence, destruction of property and attacking innocent Nigerians.”
According to Buni, the party is committed to the ideals of democracy and “we recognize the inalienable rights of our citizens to demand for changes in conditions which trample on their liberties, freedom of association, freedom of speech and wellbeing through peaceful means and rule of law”.
“We acknowledge the peaceful commencement of the protests until it became violent, destructive and disorderly as hoodlums regrettably seized the opportunity in the protests and virtually took over.
“On behalf of the leadership and membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), we solemnly condole with the families of our countrymen and the families of policemen who lost their loved ones and pray that Almighty God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss”, he added.
Buni also extended the empathy of the party to all those whose property were torched and prayed God to replenish them.
He said; “It is gladdening that President Muhammadu Buhari had quickly responded and disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police (SARS) as demanded by the protesting youth.
“The party also welcomed the decision for comprehensive reforms, including the review of salaries of the Nigeria Policemen as announced by Mr President.
“Our dear Compatriots, let us reflect and embrace peace; at a time of national tragedy such as this, it should not be a time for playing politics, it is no time to dance to the gallery to score cheap political points. It is a time for introspection and Nigeria first. Lets come together irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic differences we should rally around the government to build sanity and strengthen peace and unity to ensure the corporate existence of our country.
“As a party, we will take every step to support the government to bring this unwholesome situation to an immediate end. We will make sure that all those found culpable will face the wrath of the law. For it is the desire of all Nigerians that a peaceful atmosphere return to the country for the good of greatest number of our dear countrymen.
“The party therefore join President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR in appealing to our youths to call off the protests for peace and normalcy to return to our dear country”, the statement added.