President Buhari reacts to fresh #EndSARS protest

President Buhari has reacted to the fresh #EndSARS protest as he said his regime will deal decisively with “any act of hooliganism hiding behind peaceful protests.”

Buhari while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said although his regime believed in the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests, such must be done responsibly.

He said;

“Let me also mention the EndSARS protest which was recently hijacked by hoodlums which resulted in loss of lives and property in many situations across the country.

“I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests.

“However, this must be done responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land.

“I also want to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind the peaceful protests, will be highly dealt with decisively to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.

“On this note, I commend the Nigeria Army for their efforts to swiftly restore law and order in many states during the last scale of criminality that ensued in the wake of the EndSARS protests.”

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However, both the military and the police authorities had warned several times last week that they would not allow another round of protests to take place.

The #EndSARS protests, which took place in October, were hijacked by hoodlums leading to destruction of properties and loss of lives.