#EndSARS protests: Buhari dispatches Chief of Staff, others to states

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday said his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, would be leading senior government officials to various parts of the country for engagements as parts of the efforts to address the concerns raised by #EndSARS protesters.

He also urged traditional rulers across the country to assist his regime in pacifying the protesting youths, saying he had heard their cries and was attending to their concerns.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving a delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji  Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement was titled, “President Buhari calls for support of traditional rulers in addressing demands of Nigerian youths.”

Adesina quoted the President as emphasising the imperative of support of traditional rulers in his regime’s determination to address the demands of the youth.

“We have heard the loud cries of our youths and children, and we are attending to their concerns.

“To succeed in all of this, we would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful,” the presidential spokesman quoted Buhari as telling the monarchs.

Describing their “role as guardians of our traditional values and culture” as most critical, the President urged them not to compromise their neutrality “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”

He said Gambari would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country “and directly engage with you as part of this process. He will be reporting back to me on your various perspectives.

“I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great service.”

While receiving the recommendations of the traditional rulers, he promised to study them and take appropriate action.

Adesina said Buhari had earlier drawn the attention of the monarchs to the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic on the world.