Kogi State gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in 2019 election, Prof. Joseph Ameh Erico has advised the Federal Government against the use of force in resolving the EndSARS protest.
Erico, who is a security expert warned that the use of military in civil related issues like protests being held across the States by the Nigerian youths was not the best option, therefore, contemplating it was rather absurd in democratic setting.
His views were at the backdrop of the plans by the Military to start its routine exercise tagged: “Operation Crocodile Smile VI’ nationwide”, stating that this development will escalate the already tensed situation.
He reasoned that protesters have right within the ambit of law to ventilate their grievances which was manifestly through peaceful protests, hence, the military should excuse them rather than clamping down.
According to the Associate Professor, the present circumstances was different from that of IPOB and Shiites of the detained El-Zakyzaky, adding that attempt to use force would morphed into anarchy and spell doom for the nation’s democracy.
He further advised that government should look out for leaders of protesters as the situation now was so complex that their leaders could not be identified, even as youths file out every morning to take to streets.
“The best way for the present administration is to adopt dialogue, immediately roll out machinery to address the endless demands of the youths and protesters without reservation or delay.
“A situation where prominent religious leaders have thrown their weight behind the protesters makes it difficult to adopt any other mesaure than dialogue to address the delicate issues.
“In considering their demands, government should guarantee e-voting, safeguard the integrity of our electoral system, as well as ensure judicial, legislative and executive reforms without further delay.
He cautioned government against ill-advice by those who don’t mean well for the country, but pretend to love the nation, adding that managing situations like these requires critical consideration of many factors.
