#EndSARS: Why Youths Are Angry Fayemi
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, has described the recent #EndSARS protests across the nation as a ‘noble cause’.
The governor, who said he was also a victim of police brutality during his 2014 governorship campaign in Ekiti state, noted that there was the need for government at all levels to partner the youth for sustainable peace and development.
He said this on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti during an interactive session with stakeholders on the recent #EndSARS protest that caused mayhem across the country.
He said, “The EndSARS protest was a noble cause. It was supported here in Ekiti, not because of those involved but for the reason behind the action which we believe would help the police to do their job better.
“The youth protest in Ekiti was well intentioned and peaceful. The right to peaceful protest is an inalienable right. For the first time, we have a panel of enquiry at every level of government to tackle our issues. We must not resort to violence as a solution to our agitations. We must all speak in unison against violence as we did in unison against police brutality.
“Our youths are angry because as they were coming out of closure of schools over Coronavirus pandemic. They entered into ASUU strike; then, there is hunger in the land and the harsh economic situation in our country.
“The government has done many intervention programmes, proscribed SARS and introduced Youth Investment Fund and many others as a response to the youth agitations.
“I commiserate with the families of those who paid the supreme price. We identify with them. The panel that we set up will look into the reasons behind the protest and how best to address the issues raised, because the EndSARS protest had placed a moral burden on all of us that we must be vigilant.
“Our police must be motivated to do well. Policemen must be well remunerated. There must be good motivation for the police to be able to discharge their duties effectively,” he said.
