The Heritage Times presents 10 takeaways from President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to Nigerians on #EndSARS Protests
1. #EndSARS protest was well-conceived, genuine and rightfully carried out until the agitation was “hijacked and misdirected.”
2. The demands of the protesters were articulated and succinctly penned down before they were blown out of proportion by some persons for “their selfish unpatriotic interests.”
3. Claims that the present administration is heartless and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians are baseless. Such claims were made to instigate “disruptive behaviour and to mislead the unwary into unfair judgements.”
4. Government has its heart in the right place for youths and women. The existence of a N75 Billions National Youth Investment Fund and other programs attest to President Buhari’s broad plan of “lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years.”
5. Police personnel, paramilitary services and teachers are to expect a new salary structure as part of efforts geared towards ensuring their welfare and promoting the importance of their services.
6. Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable as the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari will “continue to improve good governance through sustained engagements.”
7. Members of the international community are advised to “seek facts before rushing into hasty judgements and pronouncement about ongoing developments in Nigeria.”
8. #EndSARS protesters should consider availing themselves of the various well-thought-out initiatives designed by the Federal Government “to make lives meaningful.”
9. Youths should discontinue protest and “constructively engage government in finding solutions to their grievances.”
10. Security agencies are meant to “protect lives and properties and should not harm law-abiding citizens as they go about their normal businesses.”
