VIOLENT YOUTH PROTESTS: ANTITHESIS TO PEACE AND
PROGRESS
The North-South Progressive Movement (NOSOP) has carefully monitored the
#ENDSARS protests in some parts of the country with a concrete 5 points demand
presented to the Federal Government.
The youths outraged by the brutality of that special unit of the Nigerian Police
Force protested in unison for its disbandment to which the government concede
and announced the immediate disbandment of SARS.
The youths remained on the streets in protest and unfortunately some were mowed
down by soldiers’ bullet at the Lekki Toll Gate on 20 th October, 2020. This
barbaric shooting and murder of armless protesting youths by trigger happy
soldiers outraged the youths and led to escalation of protests in most Southern
States.
We at NOSOP condemn in very strong terms the killing of armless youths
protesting against a cause they felt strongly and passionately about. Protest is a
recognized means of expressing public opinion and the right to peaceful assembly
is a constitutional guaranteed right in Nigeria.
However, it is regrettable that hoodlums and miscreants hid under the cover of
EndSARS protest to unleash destruction of public infrastructure and economic
assets including private investments of hardworking Nigerians. This unfortunate
incident made it inevitable for some States to impose dusk to dawn curfew to
restore peace and order with the attendant economic losses and disruption of public
services.
It is the view of NOSOP that the gain achieved by the initial peaceful protest will
amount to nothing but wasted efforts if the protests persist. It is in the interest of
the protesters and government as well as the citizenry to ensure that there is
absolute peace in the country. There can be no meaningful achievement in an
atmosphere of chaos and instability. The country is currently grappling with
enormous leadership and developmental challenges and adding to the challenge
will put the country at a risk of collapse of the economy and national cohesion.
Granted that Nigeria is not where it should be but the desired level cannot be
attained by acts which are inimical to peace and unity or by resort to criminality.

On behalf of the Nigerian youths, NOSOP offers to lead the engagement with the
government on implementation of the demands of Nigerian youths.
We realize the huge task of governance and the fact that a lot depends on funding.
We advise the government to prioritize the demands of our youths and take
concrete, precise and measurable steps to addressing their demands. Furthermore,
we appeal to the youths to heed the advice of Mr. President as contained in the
Presidential broadcast of October 22, 2020 to withdraw from the streets. We appeal
also to the security and law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and
properties of Nigerians and ensure that law abiding citizens go about their
businesses without let or hindrance.
NOSOP enjoins Nigerians to maintain peace and show tolerance in these
challenging moments. This too will pass.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. John Nwobodo
National Coordinator