How the Nigerian Leadership Has Responded to The #EndSARS Protests so far

President Muhammadu Buhari was completely silent about the matter until Monday, October 12th almost a week after the protests began. He posted a 97-second video in which nothing substantial was stated. The video was posted only on twitter and kept away from legacy news TV stations. 

Lagos state governor Jide Sanwo Olu paid little attention to protesters’ cries until they blocked the Lekki/VI toll gate on Monday, October 12th. He stated his solidarity with protesters, but his actions showed he only came for a photo-op and to secure the interests of those who put him in power. 

Gov Wike banned all protests in Rivers state on the night of Monday, October 12th, this flagrant violation of Nigeria’s constitution spurred a massive crowd who congregated in front of the statehouse the next day. Wike came out to say he stood with protesters, but the hypocrisy in that was glaring. 

In Asaba, Delta state governor Ifeanyi Okowa sent his aides to bribe protesters with 1.5 million Naira for ‘refreshments’. The protesters refused and told them to leave. He later addressed the protesters publicly. 

In Uyo, Governor Udom Emmanuel’s aides offered protesters a 4 million Naira bribe, they rejected it and jeered them away chanting ‘Yahoo boy’ at the SUV. He also addressed them with sweet nothings.

In Oyo state where Jimoh Isiaq was killed, governor Seyi Makinde, initially projected himself as if in support of the people. However, following his donation of 100m Naira to the Soun of Ogbomoso for palace repairs in contrast to the 1 Million Naira he gave Jimoh Isiaq’s family, it clearly shows which side he’s on. 

The northern governors have generally been silent on the matter.

If your governors and public officials in your state are still silent, you can instantly send them tweets and emails via the #ENDSARS APP

Nasir Ahmed Achile

Philosophy nut. I recommend Albert Camus, Eckhart Tolle and bell hooks to everyone I know.

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