A retired civil servant, Prince Bisi Oyedeji, mni, has urged the protesting Nigerian youth calling for end to SARS, police brutality and bad governance to pursue their legitimate demands peacefully without infringing the peace and welfare of innocent members of the public in whose interest they are agitating.
The Modakeke prince made the call in a letter titled, ‘Appeal to #EndSARS protesters,’ made available to Oyo Reporters on Monday.
According to him, while the Nigerian public wholeheartedly supports the genuine call for positive change, it would be wrong to disrupt the peace and comfort of those on whose behalf the protesters are fighting.
The letter dated October 19 read in parts, “It is with a mixture of happiness and sadness that I am addressing this letter to you. Happiness that the protesters of #EndSARS, who are mostly youth, have risen up to fight for Nigerians. Many of us are in their support and pray that nothing should harm them while government of the federation should give them listening ears.
“Sad because of observable lapses in the protests. Agreed that they are all fighting for the betterment of our lives in the country but at the same time, why do they have to carry broken bottles, machetes and planks? Why do they have to prevent the sick from reaching hospitals?
“I was a victim of all the above this (Monday) morning and it has greatly disturbed me. I am sure you am not the only one affected. One of my grandchildren was prevented from reaching her school and the other from fulfilling his appointment with a doctor. It is sad. How do those who reached their schools get back home today?
“I was not sure that these protests were designed to cause us inconveniences. I am sure that they can be better organised than the blocking of all lanes. They are advised to keep, at least, one lane open on each side of the road to allow movement of vehicles and for people to transact their lawful businesses. Protesters do not have to provoke and invite government to intervene in this laudable project and make us all regret their actions. I pray the protesters take heed.”
