President Muhammadu Buhari’s highly-anticipated speech on the ongoing anti-police brutality protests across the nation has left many Nigerians disappointed.
In the broadcast, Buhari warned “those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).”
He said that as a democratic government, his administration “listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters.
“And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.”
Noting that the choice to peacefully protest was enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the president noted, “Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.
“The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.
“All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.
“The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.”
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However, many Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the speech.
I am disappointed by Prez @MBuhari ‘s recorded speech to the country today. He failed to acknowledge the #Lekkitollgate killings. I didn’t see a concrete response to the CULTURE of impunity and police brutality, or to governance reforms other than a regurgitation of “programs”.
— Kingsley Moghalu (@MoghaluKingsley) October 22, 2020
What happened at Lekki is a preview to Buhari's response to the protests. Those soldiers shot based on orders from the real powers that be.
If the protest ever gets reignited, please ask yourself whether you're ready for the risks. Because it will be a matter of life or death
— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) October 22, 2020
IT IS FINISHED: Look At What Someone Did After Listening To President Buhari Prerecorded "LIVE" Broadcast (Aired DFKM). The Most Stupidest Address/Speech Ever! No Empathy Shown! #EndSARS #BuhariResignNow pic.twitter.com/n2JnzaC3nw
— Somto Okonkwo (@MrSomtoOkonkwo) October 22, 2020
People are disappointed by Buhari's hollow, tone-deaf speech. But what did you expect?Accept it: Nigeria has no president. Even when he was a breathing, sentient human being, Buhari was an unmitigated disaster. He's an even bigger disaster as an insentient, breathing mannequin.
— Farooq Kperogi, Ph.D (@farooqkperogi) October 22, 2020
After Buhari’s speech, the soldiers that extrajudicially killed protesters in Lekki may even get promotions. #EndSARS
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) October 22, 2020
Ok how does someone get visa to Finland, Norway or Iceland?
Only verified info please.
No… This has nothing to do with Buhari's speech o
We just like seeing new places and things. We are not abandoning here o. 🤭🤭
— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) October 22, 2020
“We are the generation that will change this country.”
Buhari: If I remove your teeth just now pic.twitter.com/E35eEwiF0M
— Chidi Okereke (@Chydee) October 22, 2020
After Buhari speech all I can say is
Wahala for who no get visa oh 😅
— Queen❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (@amietorii) October 22, 2020