The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday lauded those behind the #EndSARS protests for their peaceful approach to the demand for reform of the police either through the protests or prayer walks nationwide.
It condemned in strong terms attempts being made to stop or disrupt the peaceful protest which it noted is lawfully allowed and guaranteed by the 1999 constitution (as amended).
President of CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, who gave the commendation in a statement said the Association was monitoring the #EndSARS protests nationwide while praying that their unprecedented efforts to have a decent society would not be in vain.
Ayokunle, on behalf of CAN also presented a nine-point demand, including “compensation for all victims of police brutality and other extrajudicial killings in the last 10 years.”
He said, “We are not unaware of your sacrifices, time, money and other risks in your quest for a reformed police and an egalitarian society. CAN acknowledges and appreciates your patriotic agitation in a peaceful manner despite the pockets of attack against you, either by the police or some hired thugs to disrupt the exercise.
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“We condemn in strong terms every attempt being made to stop or disrupt the peaceful protest which is lawfully allowed and guaranteed by the 1999 constitution (as amended). We are monitoring the #EndSARS protests nationwide and we are praying that their unprecedented efforts to have a decent society will not be in vain.
“We call on the military and police to resist the temptation to intervene in a civil protest in order to avoid a harvest of deaths. We have had enough of mass burials without fighting a war in the recent past.”
The Christian body advised the government to stop paying lip service to the welfare of the people, but to implement without further delays Programmes that will being succour to the people.
It said roads must be made motor-able throughout the country for ease of moving human and economic goods while interrupted electricity supply should be ensured among other infrastructures requiring urgent attention in our nation.
“Our leaders need to wake up to pragmatic and task-oriented leadership now so as to save our nation,” CAN insisted.
