JDPMC Calls For Release Of Arrested Innocent Protesters

-Demands Full Details Of Suspected Protest Hijackers

Following the vandalization and inimical looting greeted the on-going #EndbadgovernanceInNigeria Protest by the unscrupulous elements and unsuspected hijackers, the Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo has called for the immediate release of the arrested innocent Protesters by the Nigerian Security Agencies.

The group also demanded full details of suspected protest Hijackers.

The faith-based NGO laid this demand in the statement signed by the General Coordinator of the Organization, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi in reaction to the ugly turn of event of the protest.

Speaking to the unfortunate situation, Fr. Peter said: “We commend the great improvement in the approach of our security agencies so far compared to the past, we are grieved by all incidents of violence unleashed on both security agents and citizens and the tragic consequences that have resulted. It is necessary to be conscious of the limited capacity of our security system to manage the contemporary outlook of protests in modern times due to the power of Information technology and so be cautious not to overstretch it,

“To douse the growing tension, we call on security agencies to immediately release the profile of all who have been arrested at the protest with full details to prove to the citizens that they’re proven suspects of criminality while they immediately set free innocent protesters held in detention.

“The protesters are also called upon to release with credible evidence the details of those known innocent protesters held in custody. This is necessary because asking for the release of everyone, including criminals would further aggravate the tensed security situation and encourage further criminal activities around the protest with a sense of impunity.”

Speaking further, the General Coordinator commended the high-level organization and civility demonstrated in some states by the protesters in order to prevent violence degeneration.

“It is apt to appreciate the protesters who in various states have suspended even the peaceful protests where the signs of time required it. As we commend the protesters in states where the protest is still on for their resilience and peaceful conducts, we hope they will continue their engagement with government in the best ways within developing context that preserve our labor and destiny while we seek to ensure that the immediate steps of government are in the right direction towards this common good. Concern must particularly be for the poor and lowly whose economic condition may not be able to withstand the current situation.”

He therefore charged President Bola Tinubu not to let his message of hope interventions highlighted in his speech while addressing the nation be sweet words but empty promises but rather should follow them to the letter.

“We commend President Bola Tinubu for his speech on Day 4 which acknowledges the pains of Nigerians, the need to protest, regrets about the violent incidents and communication of hope to the nation through presentation of the several interventions of government to reverse the current trends of economic hardships and social unrest.

“The presidency must however be aware that the message of the president; considering its outlook, structure and platform of presentation even though targeting the entire citizenry, only reached in its full sense a very insignificant percentage.

“The president’s speech especially aspects that present the interventions of government must therefore be followed up by a series of initiatives by the government at all levels to simplify, package and advance the contents in languages and categories that adequately communicate at all levels and to all groups in the country,
We call on both governments at all levels including traditional institutions to prioritise creative and effective avenues of dialogue with protesters with the disposition of genuine acknowledgement of their demands and trustworthy commitment to realistic immediate actions to remedy them. Also, we call on protesters to weigh the impacts of the protest on the nation so far especially on the most fragile and vulnerable aspects of our national life to take meaningful decisions on the most patriotic approach to continue their civic engagement with the government for national transformation,” he said.