By Gideon Njoku
In his first national broadcast since the beginning of the ENDSARS protest two weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari has accused the International Community of ignorance.
Nigerian Youths had embarked on a nationwide peaceful protest, which turned violent, against the brutalities and humiliation of Nigerians, especially the Youths, by operatives of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
All entreaties to Buhari to address the youths in a national broadcast, as a way to douse the tension were unheeded.
On October 20, the protest went awry when soldiers shot at the protesters, at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, where they had camped out for days, protesting. Blood flowed. There were fatalities. And many were injured.
The International community – United Nations, European Union, US, UK, Ghana – as well as high profile individuals – Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton – and a number of celebrities, condemned the action, asking Buhari to put a stop to the killing of the youths.
On Wednesday, Buhari chose, belatedly, to address the nation. In the process, did not fail to chide the International Community for speaking out against Nigeria, “out of ignorance.”
He accused them of speaking without facts. He accused them of making hasty judgement, and pronouncements. And advised them, to know the truth of any matter before dabbling into it.
Said the President, while thanking them for their concern: “To our neighbours in particular, and members of the International Community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you, and urge you all to know all the facts available before taking a position, or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.”
