ENDSARS: ECOWAS SPEAKS ON NIGERIA UNREST

In a Press Release from the Headquarters of the ECOWAS in Abuja, dated 21 st 0ctober, 2020, the ECOWAS Commission says it has noted with concern how violent the demonstrations by the Nigerian Youth, appealing for police reform, especially, the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police have turned.

The ECOWAS Commission specified in its Press Release that, it recognizes the right of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, but is also of the view that these rights should be exercised in a non-violent manner.

In light of this, the ECOWAS Commission calls on the protesters to remain peaceful in their demonstrations and again urges the Nigerian Security Operatives to act professionally as well as exercise restraints in the handling of the protesters.

As per the ECOWAS Commission, it has realized that the Federal Government of Nigeria in their plight to address the demands of the Youth, took important decisions regarding disbandment of SARS, comprehensive police reforms, and investigation of cases of police brutality.

The ECOWAS Commission, therefore, encourages the Nigerian Authorities to be quick in

the conduct of the investigations. Furthermore, the ECOWAS Commission appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Youth, and the Civil society to urgently pursue dialogue for an early and amicable resolution of this social unrest, so as to maintain the Nigerian image as a bastion of law and order.

Finally, the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) stated that it expresses its condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives during the protests, and again wishes a speedy recovery to injured persons.