Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader on Tuesday has praised Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for maturely handling of the protests against Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police.
He said youths were ready to work with him to put things right.
While appealing to the angry youths to respectfully engage the leaders in order to end the rising cases of police brutality, Tinubu said they must be ready to engage at all levels from protests to advocacy, to policy, prayers, lobbying, legal and other non-violent means.
In a statement titled: ‘A message of hope in a time of crisis’, Tinubu urged Governor Sanwo-Olu as the state chief security officer, look beyond calling for more affirmative actions to address the demands of youths and do “what a father will do – protect his children.”
He said: “For too long, many people – young and old- have been at the receiving end of actions perpetrated by some bad eggs in uniform. People whose creed it is to serve and protect, but have turned on those they are sworn to serve and protect. For too long, this has gone unchecked. I have had to – on many occasions- intervene on behalf of hardworking, young Nigerians who were caught in this web. But what of those who did not have the privilege of “knowing someone” or making that life saving call? Call their names – Tiamiyu, Tina, Kolade, Ifeoma, Jimoh, Ayomide, Chibuike and many more. Yes, call all their names because they matter.”
While commending youths for standing up for their right, Tinubu said change can happen, especially when the youth stay focused on the change they want, adding that youths must also stay open to recognise the change when it happens.
He added that at no point should youths engage in violence in a bid to get the right thing done.
“As young Nigerians go around peacefully protesting for change in a fundamental flawed institution (Nigeria Police), it is imperative that we also do this with a mindset of optimism rather than the pessimism that has beset most of our national life. Change can happen, but we must not lose sight of the change we want and must stay open to seeing when this change is occurring or when opportunities present themselves to create this change. We must be ready to engage at all levels from protests to advocacy, to policy, prayers, lobbying, legal and other non-violent means. We must make our voices heard.”