Pascal Arogorn Ibe
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo , on Monday said the #EndSARS protests across the country were a product of extensive agitations by youths that must be attended to by government .
Obasanjo explained that the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari , could make Nigerian youths know that he understood their plight and would make life better for them .
According to a statement by Moses Olafare , the Director of Media, Ooni’ s palace , Obasanjo , who spoke in Ile Ife, during a visit to Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi said many youths had struggled to get education , while the educated ones among them were frustrated over lack of opportunities .
He , however , expressed the belief that there were windows of opportunities which the government could explore to show that it cared about the people.
Obasanjo was quoted as saying “ Over 65 per cent of our population are under the age of 35, who look up to the best in life, who struggle for education ; some of them didn ’ t even get educated while those who are educated get frustrated because of lack of opportunities . We must realise that the lid on the boiling steam would have to be removed.
“ But I believe that there are windows of opportunity which the government can explore to show that it cares about the people, especially the youth’ s welfare as the father of the country, particularly as the father of the youths.
“ Fortunately, by experience , the President has children and he knows how youths behave . I believe that the opportunities can still be taken to let the youths know that he , as a father , understands their plight and his government understands their plight and he is ready to make life better for them , ” Obasanjo concluded .
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife , Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described the #EndSARS struggle as a clear message from the youths to the government , particularly about their ability to get things done in a coordinated manner.
He then urged the youths to allow the government to fully attend to their yearnings
“ If you look at the #EndSARS protests, you will see that our youths have what it takes to rule the country. Since day one , they have shown leadership , accountability and huge sense of responsibility, which have sent a clear message to the government .
“ As a youth leader myself , I am proud that we all have communicated our ideas and it is heartwarming that we have been heard . Dear youths , it is time to retreat particularly to prevent those with ulterior motives from hijacking the peaceful message of peace .
“ The whole world is aware of our peaceful conduct and we must not let some bad elements tarnish this enviable integrity . Once again , I wish to urge our youths to stop the protest for now and give peace a chance . This would disallow the government from using force . “
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