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Violence can't be the solution- Akufo-Addo speaks on happenings in Nigeria

By Justice Kofi Bimpeh
Akufo-Addo
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President Akufo-Addo who is the ECOWAS Chair has called for calm in Nigeria after reported cases of violence in the country.

Akufo-Addo in a tweet said the parties should use dialogue in resolving the impasse in Nigeria.

"I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm, and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria. I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end, and has begun the processes that will lead to reform."

"Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. 2/2 #EndSARS."

The ECOWAS Commission has also in a statement called on security forces in Nigeria to exercise restraint in their engagement with protestors who have been on the street for days over police brutalities.

The Commission has also urged the protestors to be peaceful in their demonstration.

 “ECOWAS Commission notes with concern that demonstrations by Nigerian youth calling for police reform, particularly the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, accused of misconduct by those demonstrating, have turned violent. ECOWAS Commission expresses its condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives during the protests and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. While ECOWAS Commission recognizes the right of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, it is also of the view that those rights should be exercised in a non-violent manner.

“In this regard, ECOWAS Commission calls on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations. It also urges the Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally,” the statement signed by the ECOWAS Commission President said Wednesday.

It added: “ECOWAS Commission further notes that, in an effort to address the demands of the protesting youth, the Federal Government of Nigeria took important decisions regarding disbandment of SARS, comprehensive police reforms and investigation of cases of police brutality. It encourages the Nigerian Authorities to conduct the investigation rapidly."

But the Lagos State Government said there was no record of fatality in the controversial Lekki Toll Plaza shooting on Tuesday.

This was disclosed by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the Lagos State Government briefing on EndSARS broadcast on Wednesday.

He said, “Three of the injured protesters have been discharged, while some are in the hospital. There is no record of any fatalities.”

 

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