The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on protesting Nigerian youths to protest with their brains and heads intact.
He said they should avoid being confrontational, violent or mischievous while carrying out their demonstration.
Speaking to newsmen at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Prelate said the protesters had rights to protest, but urged them to retreat and watch and see how the new outfit brought forward as SARS replacement would function or perform.
He said, “We’ve witnessed and heard about police brutality, extortion, and all manner of inhuman treatments meted on Nigerian Youths by some unscrupulous elements working as the now scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, operatives.
“Government at all levels should have a human face. Nigerians deserve a better country. All we are yearning for is good governance. Nigerians need to take over their country. Nigeria is not for few individuals. Masses are dying in droves.
“They have the right to protest about bad governance. We should be having a serious discussion with these protesting youths by now. Remember they are youths, full of energy and ready to risk their lives. Ignore them at your peril.
“Since the Inspector General of Police had disbanded the SARS, the protesters should retreat and watch and see how the new outfit brought forward as SARS replacement would function or perform.”
Expressing dismay over the protests, Ezeokafor urged the government to avoid use of force, but to find a way to assuage their pains.
“SARS operatives have gone overboard. What we witness now is as a result of maltreatment and intimidation from security agencies. People are dying; people are suffering in the hands of those expected to protect them.
‘SARS tried in a way to fight daredevil criminals and violent crimes but at some point they derailed. People have to come up and say no to intimidation, molestation, and harassment. I want the youths to protest with their heads intact,’ he advised.
