Obasanjo To Buhari : Restrain Military, Others From Using Brute Force On Protesters

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to restrain the military and other security agencies from using brute force on EndSARS protesters across the country.

Obasanjo also enjoined the protesting youths in the country to give peace a chance as they go about making their legitimate demand.

The ex-President in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that it was with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern about the going on in the country.

In the statement titled, “Violence Against Protesters in Nigeria: An Appeal for Calm” copy which was made available to newsmen through Obasanjo his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President advised President Buhari to also restrain the military and other security agencies from using brute force.
Obasanjo noted that: “the shooting and murder of unarmed protesters, no matter the level of provocation, has never been effective in suppressing public anger and frustation. Instead, such actions only reinforce the anger and frustration of the populace and close the window of dialogue and peaceful resolution.

“It is clear that Mr. President and his lieutenants did exhaust the opportunities for dialogue with the protesters before resorting to use of force. It is worse that there is denial of wrong doing inspite overwhelming visual evidence. Great harm has been done but it can be stopped before it completely spirals out of control.”

Obasanjo stated further that the country was at a critical moment and “the President must act now before it is too late. This time demands leadership and mature leadership at such.