The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on
Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has defended his principal over
the national broadcast to the Nigerian people on
Thursday.
Adesina, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics
Today on Friday, said President Buhari’s speech did not omit
the Lekki shooting.
The presidential spokesman said contrary to the belief that
Buhari did not talk about the tragic incident in Lagos, the
President’s message to the international community was on Lekki
shooting.
“It was not omitted. That message to the international community
was on Lekki shooting,” the presidential spokesman insisted.
“It is not true. Somewhere in that speech, the President spoke
to the international community. He thanked those who had sought
understanding before they made comments.
“He was also telling those who were hasty in their judgement to
seek more information. He didn’t miss out anything.”
READ ALSO: Full Text Of Buhari’s Address To
Nigerians On The #EndSARS Protests
Speaking also on a virtual meeting President Buhari held earlier
today with former Nigerian presidents, Adesina said the ex-leaders
praised his principal for addressing the shooting in Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina
speaks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics
Today on October 23, 2020.
Many had believed that the Buhari’s speech came late and rather
lacked empathy, however, the president’s spokesman quoted Obasanjo
as saying, “I commend the speech of last night. The nation had been
waiting. You made points that I believe need to be commended.
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“Peaceful demonstration is part of democratic practice. The
demands of the genuine protesters were accepted, and you are
working on implementation. We commend you.”
Adesina’s reaction comes three days after several people were
killed and others injured after security operatives opened fire at
#EndSARS protesters in Lekki.
Security operatives had stormed the scene of the protest on
Tuesday night hours after the Lagos Government announced a 24-hour
curfew and opened fire.
The action drew global condemnation both within the country and
outside of Nigeria with the United Nations, African Union and
ECOWAS calling for a thorough probe into the tragic shooting.
On Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called
for an end to police brutality in Nigeria, condemning violent
clashes that claimed multiple lives and caused many injuries.
According to a communiqué issued by his spokesperson, Stephane
Dujarric, the UN chief has been following recent developments in
Nigeria and has called for an end to police brutality and
abuses.
Similarly, Chairman of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat,
offered his sincere condolences to the families of those who lost
their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Mr Mahamat appealed to all political and social actors to reject
the use of violence and respect human rights and the rule of
law.