| #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by HisExcellence(m): 10:52pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
Warns against use of violent force against any innocent persons
ABUJA–PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari last night in Abuja appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.
President Buhari has also condemned wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people.
The appeal was contained in the President’s message to the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, which coincides with the African Youth Day celebration.
Recall that the Nigerian youths had recently protested against police brutality in the country, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit in the Nigerian Police Force.
President Buhari, who was represented by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, told the gathering that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by his administration and advised them not to be afraid to come out to dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police.
He said that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.
According to him, ”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.
”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.
”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.
”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.
”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavours.”
President Buhari also used the occasion to express his strong opposition to the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people.
He said, ”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.
”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.
”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.
”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,” he said.
Describing Nigerian youths as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, President Buhari said his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country.
He noted that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.
”Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.
”This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,” he said.
The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.
He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:
”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”
Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).
The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.
Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.
He said, ”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.
”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us.”
At the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future”, the winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards.
Source: VANGUARD |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by sapientia(m): 11:00pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
I doubt this is from Buhari.
Someone that can't engage anyone in a discussion.
They always peddle things and tell us Buhari say this, Buhari say that.
Is he an Oracle ?
Abi Masquerade?
He must be dragged before 10 mins clips of him blabbing will be released.
Did he say this after killing young protesters at Lekki Toll gate or before killing them?
That's how they release rubbish sotey Buhari denied his Manifesto asking us to prove he promised them.
When will Buhari allow our Journalists to ask him questions for just 30 mins... eeh? 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by Lastmankc(m): 11:02pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
The lifeless one |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by TossTos: 11:03pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
We are not
And we'll never
But stop killing us |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by marsman: 11:05pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
Do you guys know the meaning of ambush. |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by Racoon(m): 11:06pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
-Same you called "lazy" always seeking for freebies?
-Same youth you said have flair for criminality hence always seeking asylum in foreign countries?
-Same youth you signed the not-to-young-run bill but asked to wait till 2023 before contesting for the office of the president?
-Same youth you never addressed in any known live interactive discussion but was busy seeking their votes during the desperation for power?
-Same youth soldiers & other security agencies have
maimed & killed extra-judicially cross the nation in the time past & present under your nose without justice? Abeg make people hear word.Perhaps the mummified zombies can go for the dialogue. 1 Like |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by obami007(m): 11:08pm On Nov 01, 2020 |
What exactly is there to dialogue about?
The demands are so simple
Just show us the process and success of how sars has ended
That’s all |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by ehinmowo: 6:07am On Nov 02, 2020 |
Rhe only fear is the fear of you people returning to your old ways and continue speaking from both sides of your mouth like a leaking funnel. |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by Fahdiga(m): 6:24am On Nov 02, 2020 |
Can you dialogue with a mannequin. can a lifeless person talk. can he understand any other language apart from Fulani language. does he have a good heart to understand our deplorable situation. Buhari should pls stop ridiculing Nigerians. we have had enough of his mockery |
| Re: #EndSARS Protests: Don’t be afraid, come for dialogue, Buhari appeals to youths by orisa37: 7:36am On Nov 02, 2020 |
THAT'S A WRESTLING BOAST. FACE SOWORE AND FFK FIRST THEY'RE YOUTHS TOO. |
