#EndSARS protests can lead to anarchy – Lai Mohammed
On a programme by the Nigeria Television Authority, entitled ‘EndSARS Protest: The Way Forward‘, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that the once peaceful protests have been hijacked by hoodlums.
He further stated that the federal government will not allow the country to be thrown into anarchy.
He said this because of the violence that has trailed the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the country, more recently, the convoys of Osun and Ekiti state governors.
Mohammed said that although the original conveners of the protests might have meant well, it was currently out of their hands right now.
“Peaceful protest is an integral part of democracy and that is why the Federal Government in the last 11 days has treated the protesters in a very civilised manner.
“But, if you look at what happened to the governor of Osun State, it has gone completely beyond peaceful protest against excesses and abuse of power by the police. There is nowhere in the world where a government will fold its arms and allow the country to descend into anarchy.
“We are no longer dealing with #EndSARS but a volatile situation that can lead to anarchy if the government does not take some very firm steps to protect the lives and livelihood of innocent Nigerians,” he said.
He said that the protests are no longer peaceful since lives and properties have been lost and innocent Nigerians in all cadres are passing through difficult times.
He said that the roadblocks have caused untold hardships since commuters are finding it difficult to get to their offices or back home and many others are stranded on the roads.
“We have nothing against peaceful protest but there are civilised ways of doing so.
“This is by going to a venue where you are not going to disturb other Nigerians because where your own right stops, other persons’ right begins,” the Minister said.
