TheCable

Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has asked the youth to call off the #EndSARS protests and to allow the federal government implement their demands.

There have been protests against police brutality across the country. The protests have persisted for about two weeks.

The protests are particularly in reaction to cases of extrajudicial killing and human rights violation by the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) which has now been disbanded.

The protesters demanded a reform of the police and prosecution of all officers involved in cases of abuse.

In a statement on Monday, Tinubu lauded the protesters for their sense of maturity, saying there is no society that can make meaningful progress without good governance.

The former Lagos governor warned that the organisers of the protest must be careful not lose the gains they have realised so far through lack of coordination and strategic thinking.

“It is impossible for anyone truly committed to the rule of law, democracy and good governance to be opposed to the concern and demands of the protesters. There is no way that any society can make meaningful progress without the enthronement of these values,” Tinubu said.

“The protesters have, for the better part of the commencement of their civil action, conducted themselves with an admirable sense of responsibility, restraint and maturity. This is commendable. Indeed, the high level of organisation demonstrated by the protesting youths shows a new level of consciousness of the capability of a vigilant civil society as well as the efficacy of people’s power. This can only ultimately strengthen the country’s democratic evolution and sustainability.

“It is only fair that government must be given the chance to implement the reforms demanded by the protesters. This can certainly not be done instantaneously by the waving of a magic wand. If government had not implemented promised reforms in the past, the swiftness with which it has responded to the demands of the protesters this time around shows that that there is a positive change by government both of attitude and of a new sense of urgency.”

Tinubu said if the protesters begin to agitate for a change of administration, the government will be forced to restore law and order and preserve constitutional rule.