Saraki condemns ‘shooting of protesters’ at Lekki

Immediate past President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has condemned the alleged shooting of #EndSARS protesters in Lekki, Lagos, describing it as “sad and disheartening.”

Saraki called on the federal government to end the shooting of protesters, insisting dialogue remains the only option.

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In a statement, Saraki who is the Chairman, African Politiea Institute (TAPI), said: “This shooting must stop immediately and the security agents who carried out this exercise should be ordered to stop.

“No life of any Nigerian youth taking part in a peaceful protest deserves to be taken.”

“Killing our children, our youth is also killing our future as a nation.

“We must take a quick walk back from this.

“We must do all that is necessary to protect and engage with the youths on all issues.

“Let the shooting stop and let fruitful dialogue commence.

“Mr. President, this is what needs to be done.

“I appeal to you to do the right thing,” Saraki stated.

The statement added: “I have watched with horror the use of force against the Lekki #EndSARS protesters.

“My heart bleeds for the country. It is sad and disheartening that this is happening.

“These are peaceful youth protesting to express legitimate concerns.

“It is unacceptable for any Government to turn its weapons on its own young people.

“What has happened in Lekki tonight [Tuesday] is nothing but a massacre.

“This is not the Nigeria that we hope to leave for the next generation.

“Our young people are the future of our country.

“This is not the Nigeria we have worked for, striven for, prayed for and have sacrificed for.

“Dialogue is the only logical option in the current situation and not violence.

“Dialogue may take a longer time to work and it may appear frustrating.

“Still, as a leading member in the comity of nations, violent silencing of protesting youths cannot be an option for Nigeria.

“I appeal to the government to put an end to this shooting of protesters by security agents.

“We need to exercise great patience, restraint and compassion in handling the demands of these youths as they represent more than 50 percent of the population.”