#ENDSARS: Atiku tells Buhari to speak to Nigeria

I am heartbroken at this turn of events, says former VP

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation in the wake of ongoing violent crackdown on the ENDSARS protest and destruction by hoodlums.

In a live stream on Periscope, Atiku called on the armed forces to show restraint.

“We must face our common enemies, not our brothers and sisters,” he said.

He noted Nigeria foes were terrorism and insecurity that have crippled the nation.

He cautioned against the “needless show of force by security that is supposed to protect.”

It is in reference to a shooting at Lekki Toll gate of Tuesday night as protesters camped at the site.

Dozens have been killed since the EndSARS protests began around the country.

Atiku said ENDSARS was young people’s attempt to “draw our attention to their grievances”.

He called the killings “unprovoked” and heartbreaking for parents who have lost children in the protest.

“I feel their pain, and the pains of the injured and maimed,” he said.

He started his broadcast with a reference to the Lekki shootings.

The Full Text:

1. I woke up this morning and did the unusual: I called to speak to all my adult children.

2. I did so because I wanted to be sure that they are safe. I also wanted to be assured that the event of yesterday was a nightmare.

3. But it was real. This is our new normal. As I speak, many parents and homes are in mourning. Their children, mowed down in their prime by a needless show of force by security forces that were supposed to be protecting them.

4. For over a week, our young people have been trying to draw our attention to their grievances, by way of the #EndSARS movement.

5. Sadly, it reached a violent crescendo yesterday, with the unprovoked killing of unarmed and peaceful protesters, even while they demonstrated their patriotism by singing the National Anthem.

6. I am heartbroken at this turn of events and deeply condole with the families of the victims. I feel their pains and the pains of the injured and maimed.

7. There are reports of hospitals refusing to treat the injured from this horrendous incident. I urge all hospitals, private and public, to prioritise the Hippocratic oath and treat every and all of the injured. To save their lives is a task that must be prioritised.

8. I call on our armed forces to show restraint. No more lives must be lost. Absolutely none. We must face our common enemies, not our brothers and sisters. And our foes are the terrorists and insurgents, who seek to end the Nigerian way of life.

9. Finally, I urge President Muhammadu  Buhari to speak to the nation, even as he speedily implements the demands laid out by our young compatriots.

10. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

11. Thank you.