TheCable

Former president Goodluck Jonathan says no life needs to be lost during peaceful protests in Nigeria.

Speaking on the #EndSARS protest via his Twitter account, Jonathan said the protests seek to advance Nigeria as a place where all can live out their full potential.

“No Nigerian blood needs to be spilled or life lost during a peaceful protest that seeks to advance our country,” he said.

“We may hold different views on national issues, but there is no doubt that most people desire the same thing for Nigeria: a place where we can all live out the full potential of our God-given abilities.

“I implore everyone to exercise restraint as we walk through these challenging times.”

Jonathan, who was president from 2010 to 2015, conceded elections to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, and has since gone on numerous peace missions across Africa.

Following days of protest, the Mohammed Adamu, the inspector general of police (IGP), dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the force. But the protests have continued.

On Tuesday, he set up Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team to fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

All officers of the defunct SARS are expected to report at the police headquarters.