#EndSARS: Protect The Youth, Secure The Future, And Protect The Nation – AfDB President, Adesina Reacts

President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, las lend his voice to the ongoing nationwide protest against police brutality and extortion launched with hashtag #EndSARS.

Nigeria has been boiling after the youth launched a hashtag on social media on #EndSARS, fuelled by citizens sharing their experiences of police abuses and videos of brutal incidents, including the beating of civilians and the firing of live ammunition at protesters.

The campaign which largely began on social media had moved from social media to the streets of Nigeria, with protesters demanding an end to the rogue police unit and a wholesome police reform.

However, the protesters are not relenting despite the dissolution of the notorious police squad but have continued to protest noting the government’s ineffectual promises of police reforms and investigations in the past.

Reacting to this development, Adesina took to his twitter handle on Saturday to lend his voice, calling on the Nigeria authority to protect and respect the youth, engage them even as he called on government to protect and secure the nation and her future.

The former Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, wrote; “I am distressed by the unrest in Nigeria. The youth are the life of our nation. They are the present, our tomorrow and our future. Securing their future must start with protecting their lives.

“Collectively, we must listen. We must hear. We must act … for peace, security, stability and the future of our nation.

“With humility, reflection, respect, sensitivity, good faith, and law and order, let truth and justice reign.

“Protect the youth. Engage the youth. Respect the youth. Protect the nation. Secure the future”, he tweeted.