The Eze Ndigbo Etiosa , Lagos State, Eze Gerald Onuchukwu (Gerico) has appealed to Nigerian youths over the #EndSARS protest which is gradually being hijacked by hoodlums across the nation.
In a statement, the Eze comisirated with some of the youths who died in the course of the protest and prayed that God in His infinite mercy grant their souls eternal rest.
While commending Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for standing with the youths and personally taking their request to President Muhammadu Buhari in order to find solutions to the five point demands by the youths, Onuchukwu urges him to ensure that the demands are implemented to the letter.
While appealing to the youths to end the protest, and give government at all level time to meet their demands, the Eze said hoodlums and miscreants are gradually hijacking the peacefull protests.
While also reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the arson and vandalism being carried out by miscreants are organised by a particular ethnic group, Onuchukwu described such statements as handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on lighting fire of ethnic war. In his words the Eze said. “Destruction of property was also carried out in various parts pf the country including south East states where curfew has also been declared. Are we going to blame this on any tribe or etnic groups living in such area?”.
On steps already taken by some governors to set up Panel of Judicial enquiry into activities of SARS in their state, Onuchukwu commended them and appeals to other governors who are yet to take this step to follow suit.
Going down memory lane, Onuchukwu recalled that relationship between Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other ethnic groups dated back to centuries ago. He said since then till date, the Igbo, Hausa, yoruba and other ethnic nationalties have continued to live side by side as exemplified by relationships between Zik, Pa Awo Takar, Aminu Kano, Tafawa Balewa and other politicians in the first Republic. ” I hearby call on everyone to promote peace and love in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”
While also commending Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for earlier humbly admitting that the nation has failed the youths and also showing empathy to the injured and the dead, Onuchukwu appealed to the Federal Government to implement the demands of the youths as captured in Mr Presidents speech adding that this measure would help restore permanent peace in the country.