Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied that he is among the sponsors of the #EndSARS protest.
Nigerians have been protesting police brutality, killings and extortion for over one week all over the country.
It has led to citizens marching to and occupying different key locations, where they converge for hours.
In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu’s spokesman, Tunde Rahman, insisted his principal could not sponsor a protest that is affecting the economy of Lagos.
“Asiwaju Tinubu could not have sponsored the #EndSARS protest that has blocked one of the main entries into and out of Lagos and one of the economic arteries of the Lagos State Government. He could also not have sponsored such a protest where he too has been labeled a target by the organizers,” part of the statement read.
It, however, made it clear Tinubu “believes in the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, assembly and protest where and when necessary”.
The former Lagos Governor however maintained it is “now time for our youths to wait, exercise restraint for dialogue and reform to commence.”
“Whereas Asiwaju Tinubu believes in the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, assembly, and protest where and when necessary, he has always canvassed the need for people to explore peaceful channels to ventilate their views and demands.
“Like most Nigerians, Asiwaju believes that SARS’ brutality and untoward conduct against innocent youths and other Nigerians have gone on for too long and that security outfit ought to be disbanded as demanded by the protesters.”
Recall that Nigerian youths have been protesting against police brutality.
The continued protest had led to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, unit of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF.