Tunde Oyekola, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday walked along with hundreds of #EndSARS protesters to the police headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital, urging them to remain calm and peaceful while their grievances are promptly addressed.
Acknowledging the grievances of the protesters, AbdulRazaq said he and a few governors and some businessmen have recently held a zoom meeting with some individuals involved in the protest movement following which their five-point demands were forwarded to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
According to a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulrazaq said the President was already acting on the five-point demands of the protesters.
Accompanied by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, the governor joined the protest from the Government House on Ahmadu Bello way where the protesters, who were mostly youths had converged, briefly addressed them, and then led them to the police headquarters on their request.
Addressing the protesters at the police headquarters, AbdulRazaq said the young people have spoken loud and clear and would have their interest protected by the government.
He announced the setting up of an ombudsman through which people can channel their grievances and have the same attended to in the state.
“However you look at it, we are all victims. I have since joined the protest. Some of you may notice online that I joined a Zoom meeting on Monday with Hajia Aisha Yesufu, Aliko Dangote, Wizkid, and others to arrive at a resolution on this protest. It was part of this what led to the five-point agenda which is being implemented now by the federal government. The President is definitely listening to the complaints,” AbdulRazaq said.
“The Commissioner of Police has listened to your complaints here. I have also listened. I thank you for your calmness,” he added.
“I urge you to please give (Mr President) the time to implement the five-point agenda. A reform is definitely coming to address all the issues.”
Kwara State Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun, who also addressed the protesters, commended them for being peaceful.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police is with the youth. We have heard your report against some of our officers. I want to implore you to report anything against the Police in this state to me directly. I assure you that action will be taken,” Egbetokun said.
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