The Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, on Monday, urged popular Nigerian singer, Naira Marley to desist from embarking on his peaceful protest.
Dare said the grievances faced by Nigerians are being addressed, hence no need to embark on peaceful protest.
Naira Marley had called for a peaceful protest over the illegality of some operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
The singer had vowed to lead the protest against the injustice meted out on Nigerians.
Advising the singer against the protest, the minister said the federal government was determined to tackle the issue.
I urge you and other youth not to embark upon any protest. Your grievances are being addressed at the highest level of government. As the Minister in charge of youth I know this is an issue that must be tackled. Government is doing just that.
— Sunday Dare (@SundayDareSD) October 5, 2020
In a tweet, the minister wrote: “I urge you and other youth not to embark upon any protest. Your grievances are being addressed at the highest level of government.
“As the Minister in charge of youth I know this is an issue that must be tackled. The government is doing just that.”
Also, the Inspector General of Police appealed to Naira Marley to end the protest stating some actions his office is effecting to curb the menace:
The Force is irrevocably committed to changing these narratives and undertaking far-reaching reforms to reposition SARS and other Tactical Squads for better service delivery.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 6, 2020
The Leadership of the NPF will work with the Ministry of Youth and other stakeholders, including Youth leaders, youth entrepreneurs, CSOs and others in formulating and implementing consensual reforms.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 6, 2020
Today, Tuesday 6th October, 2020, by 11am, the Force PRO- DCP Frank Mba will be having a live instagram chat with Naira Marley to answer questions and discuss the concerns of young Nigerians on the issues of SARS operations and other burning issues. Please stay tuned.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 6, 2020
Following all these pressures, Naira Marley decides to throw in the towel and cancel the protest:
The protest was a cry for change, Nigerian youths and citizens should feel safe. The government have promised to make changes. Whilst we anticipate their actions it’s important we stick together to sort the issues on ground, #EndSARSBrutality #EndPoliceBrutality
