Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central, has urged President Bola Tinubu to release the EndSARS protestors currently being held. Sani made this request on Wednesday during a speech at a dinner honoring 2024 Democracy Day.
In October 2020, a large number of Nigerian youths staged nationwide protests against the abuses committed by the police’s now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit. Following a wave of demonstrations, many demonstrators were taken into custody in places like Lagos, Rivers, and Ibadan; some are still there.
In response to the event, Sani stated that Tinubu, who led the charge in the fight for the restoration of civilian authority in the nation, was the model for the young people in Nigeria who demonstrated against SARS.
“Mr. President, some individuals are still in detention as a result of EndSars’ protest,” he said. At the rally that Tinubu attended, Sani stated, “They were young people who were protesting for justice, freedom, and democracy.”
“You should be an inspiration to any young protestor in Nigeria today, as you were the pioneer of protest in that country.” Take action in this regard. Allow them to go free and grant them forgiveness.
“You encouraged and taught us to take a stand and fight. They are your grandchildren and children, so please forgive them. The former senator also reminded Tinubu of the importance of promoting justice, equity, and freedom in the nation.
“Mister President, I want to bring something to your attention. A nation cannot be united by its national anthem. A nation cannot be brought together by a constitution or national pledge. A nation is bound together by its shared principles of equity and justice as well as freedom. Many of today’s younger generations are unaware of the sacrifices we have made to bring democracy back to this nation. It is crucial that we remember those who were absent during those trying times.
“We didn’t inherit democracy from the military. We didn’t win the lotto. It was the result of hardship and giving up. Some were forced into exile, including Wole Soyinka and the president and chief of staff of the armed forces.
“People who received prison sentences similar to ours existed. The first fifteen years of our lives are intended to be spent behind bars, but thank God, we were released. Numerous people had passed away. This democracy is the result of conflict.
Both the media and the Academic Staff Union of Universities made sacrifices. Both the National Association of Nigerian Students and the NUPENG, led by individuals like Frank Kokori, made sacrifices.
This democracy was the outcome of that battle, as well as of tenacity and sacrifice. It is your obligation, Mr. President, to be successful. We will partake in your success if it comes from the trenches, that time of hardship. If you don’t succeed, Mr. President, they’ll argue that those of you who supported democracy in Nigeria are outdated.
