“Speech Failed To Address The Protesters Demands.” -Falana

Human rights lawyer. And also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana. Has called on President Bola Tinubu. That he should address the demands of the peaceful protesters.

In a statement . Released on Sunday. Falana said the Presidential speech delivered this morning. Had failed in addressing the key demands of the protesters.

Earlier, in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday. The President addressed the nation amid #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. Which started on the 1st of August.

Protesters have made several demands. Including a return of fuel subsidies and improvements in living standards. Cuts in the cost of governance and rduction in electricity tariffs. And also, solutions to escalating insecurity, among others.

Falana said. “If the government takes the fight against corruption to oil dealers. And crude oil is processed in government-owned refineries. There will be no basis for fuel subsidy, which is induced by the importation of petroleum products.”

“A positive response to the key demands of the youths. Insensitivity to their demands can only provoke continued action.”

He congratulated the protesters. For drawing the attention of politicians who are eating in Abuja to the plight of millions of Nigerians who are hungry.

Falana demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters. That were arrested and detained. And he said that they had not committed any criminal offence.

Falana also appluded the repression of the peaceful protesters. And he sympathized with all those who lost loved ones in the protest.

He called on the government. That they should set up commissions of inquiry. To bring to justice those responsible for the reckless killings.

“We commiserate with the families of the patriots’ peaceful protesters that were killed. And we call on the Federal and State Governments. That they should set up Commissions of Inquiry. “

“This commission should include representatives of credible human rights organisations. And the NBA, to investigate the killings with a view to bringing to justice. And to prosecute the reckless murderers in Police uniform. To also ensure that it is being done.”

“The family members of the deceased should be adequately compensated. And this should be done by the federal government. The victims of the barbarous police killings should be identified.”

“And they should be celebrated as heroes and heroines. Of the struggle for the emancipation of the downtrodden Nigerian people. Participation in peaceful protests should never be criminalised in Nigeria.”