Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and Convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, has strongly warned that those responsible for the attacks and killings of peaceful protesters during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations will face severe consequences for their actions.Sowore denounced the unjust treatment of the peaceful protesters, who were attacked, killed, arrested, and detained during the 10-day nationwide protest against hunger, hardship, and poor governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He stressed that those responsible for these severe crimes against the Nigerian people will be held accountable and face the proper legal consequences for their actions.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the Africa Action Congress (AAC), called on the Tinubu-led government to address their demands.
When asked about the number of protesters killed and arrested during the demonstration, Sowore revealed that the organizers have confirmed that 17 people were fatally shot by the Nigeria Police Force.
“We are aware of a police officer who was killed by a fellow officer when a water cannon armored carrier crashed into his van in Katsina State, and an immigration officer who accidentally shot himself in Borno State.“We will never forget those who put themselves in harm’s way for the country—those who were killed, maimed, or injured simply for exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.”
“The government was the first to introduce violence into the protest. They were the first to use water cannons against peaceful protesters in Kano State, and the first to fire bullets at protesters who were armed only with placards.“We will pursue legal action on behalf of those unjustly attacked and detained, and we will not forget.“One day, everyone responsible for these grievous crimes against the Nigerian people will be held accountable and face the appropriate legal consequences for their actions.”
Sowore criticized President Tinubu’s address, arguing that it lacked any concrete measures to ease the people’s suffering.
He went on to describe the President’s administration as “pathetic, self-centered, and disconnected from the needs of the people.”
“That’s why we find ourselves in this unfortunate situation where Nigerians are more impoverished, hungrier, and more disheartened about their economic conditions than ever before,” he stated.
When questioned about the government’s next steps to address the widespread discontent among Nigerians, Sowore stressed the need for concrete actions to improve citizens’ lives, stating: “They need to start taking the right steps to ensure a better quality of life for the Nigerian people.
“They should tackle corruption, create economic opportunities, and provide a living wage for workers.”
“They should implement widespread employment initiatives for young people and address the energy crisis simultaneously.”They should invest in major public works projects and cut government expenses.”They are aware of the necessary actions but are unwilling to take them. As I have consistently said, no one in the current government is prepared or willing to act in the best interest of Nigerians until the people unite to fight for their rights.”
