Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has saluted the Nigerian youth who have risen to say enough to the excesses of the Nigerian state symbolised by the crimes of SARS at this period in history.
In a statement signed by its Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the group said it is not in the least surprised by the =ENDSARS protests that have rocked Nigeria for several days now.
It noted that the demands contained in the #END SARS are all reasonable demands for good governance, better security for life and property and a stable economy.
It therefore called on the President, the National and State Assembly and governors to heed “to the patriotic demands of our youth and be willing to absorb the financial consequences by reducing their own salaries and expenses; as well as the costs of running government.”
According to the group, the economic implications will boost employment, stimulate demand and pull our country out of depression. “The government has to act now, tomorrow may be too late,” it added.
The group appealed to the protesters to avert a breakdown of law and order and warned the government to avoid any precipitate action that can escalate the tense situation.
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“No amount of threats and unleashing of violence will get these young people off demanding a better deal. It is not helpful blackmailing the protesters instead of looking into their demands and establishing a better liveable polity. The spirit behind these protests will rise again and again to demand a better and fairer deal. We cannot afford to continue running Nigeria in the old ways.”
It said the protest is a natural flow from the cumulative actions of mindless ruling elites over the years and as the NO time comes often in history.
According to the group, the Nigerian youth have always shown indignation against state irresponsibility at critical stages over decades.
“In 1961, they shot down the Anglo-Nigerian defend pact. In1978, they took over the streets of Nigeria in the “Ali Must Go” crisis. In 1986, they had a showdown over the killings of four ABU students by the police and in 1992, it was the anti – SAP revolt.”
It added, “And at a time the government was thinking that it had removed the spark of protests in Nigeria with organised labour compromise over the hike in fuel prices and electricity tarfif, the young people woke up again over the extra – judicial killings and other brutalifies of SARS.
“ For decades, and more stridently in recent times, patriotic citizens have ceaselessly clamoured for a new constitutional order to arrest the downward spiral of our country into the abyss of political destruction.
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“We have witnessed, over the years, the systematic savaging and plundering of our collective well-being in a mindless frenzy of corruption, bigotry, injustice and social decadence, perpetrated with disdain and impunity. The signs have been clear for some time, that we were approaching the tipping point. Events of the past few days, will appear to suggest that the last straw is nigh.
“As proud forebears of the struggle for the emancipation of Nigeria from the clutches of oppression and injustice, we salute the courage and responsible initiative of the youth in peacefully pressing for justice and social reforms as encapsulated in the #ENDSARS protests.
“Savaging and plundering of our commonwealth in a mindless frenzy of corruption, bigotry, injustice and social decadence, perpetrated with disdain and impunity, selfishly unmindful of dissipating our assets and wealth; without any compunction in leaving massive Infrastructural deficit and mounting indebtedness for the younger generation.
“ The message is clear: Let us NOW rescue Nigeria from imminent disintegration and destruction. Let us RESTRUCTURE our country into a fairer, more just and equitable polity NOW.
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