A human rights organization, Coalition of Yoruba Self-Determination Group (COSEG), has come up with an eight point matters concerning the #EndSARS protest of the Nigerian youth across the country.
The group, in a communiqué explained that the demands of the protesting youth go beyond mere mere reformation of the police, but extend to other burning issues militating against the growth and development of the country.
The group made the observation in a communiqué issued Monday after an emergency leadership of its General Assembly, where the other several issues suspected to have been impeding the progress of Nigeria were tabled and discussed.
The communiqué, which was jointly signed by, Comrades Razaq Olokoba (Convener) Akin Abosanyin (Secretary), and Wale Balogun (Political Secretary), said the meeting discussed among other burning issues, the Yoruba nation’s continued membership of Nigeria.
The 8-P0int issues according to the communiqué are:
1). That, we, in the COSEG condemn in strong terms the shooting of peaceful protesters by the police.
2). We condemn also in totality the arrest and detention of unarmed protesters and demand for their unconditional release, as they have only exercised their constitutional rights as enshrined in all international conventions of which Nigeria is signatory.
3). We observe that a mere transmutation of a SARS to ‘SWAT’ in itself cannot resolve the issue, because it is only a reflection of the desire of the ruling Hausa/ Fulani oligarchy. So,
COSEG therefore, immediately calls for Regional/ Community Police whose authorities are not centralized hence not subjected to the whims and caprices of an IGP.
4).That in the main time, COSEG shall continue to align with any movement of the people that may be ready to push the on-going protest beyond #EndSARS to include among others like #EndPoverty, #Endestimated bills,# EndFuel/ Electricity price hike, #EndIMF and #End humongous and unpatriotic salaries for the members of our parliament
5). That COSEG shall only continue to support but will actively participate in all efforts aimed at enforcement of the constitution to the point where Self-Determination of Yoruba nation remains a burning issue on all international platforms, even as we can no longer sleep with both eyes closed as oppressed people in Nigeria.
6). COSEG therefore enjoins the oppressed captive Yoruba people in Nigeria to intensify mobilization towards their self-determination, in affirmation that it is our right to do so.
7). That the Yoruba nation has lost confidence in the National Assembly to come up with any constitutional reforms that could guarantee our quest for Self-Determination, therefore we stick to our demand, a restructured to enhance rapid growth and accelerated development of each region.
8). That COSEG is watching very closely the actions and retrogressive echoes of those clamouring for Military actions against unarmed protesters across Nigeria and those primitively calling for a return of the Military, both share equal barbarity.
furthermore, the group warned undemocratic elements in the country to stay clear of the protest explaining that the exercise is not a divisive actions but an avenue to seek for a better Nigeria, warning also, the protesters against unruly acts that could erase the gains already recorded through decorum.
“We therefore call on all the progressive minded youths on the street to guide the process and resist the process of being taken over the mob, and conduct the protest from hampering ordinary Nigerians they are fighting for, more so, Institutions that have expressed their support for their course should not be prevented from the discharge of their Civic responsibilities to the people,” COSEG admonished.
Concluding, the group commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the mature handling of the peaceful protesters and some other related burning issues in the state including the Covid-19 pandemic, urging him to begin to strategize towards a post Covid-19 pandemic Lagos State Economy.
We call on all the progressive minded youths on the street to guide the process and resist the process of being taken over the mob, and conduct the protest from hampering ordinary Nigerians they are fighting for, more so, Institutions that have expressed their support for their course should not be prevented from the discharge of their Civic responsibilities to the people.
