Protests: Falana-led coalition, Gani Adams caution against deploying soldiers

The Alliance for Survival of COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) chaired by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, have cautioned the federal government against deployment of soldiers against protesters an end to police brutality in the country.

ASCAB said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, or any of his men risks facing the International Criminal Court, (ICC) in the Hague if any of the #EndSARS protesters is killed.

The group further reminded the federal government that Operation Crocodile Smile has been declared illegal by a Nigerian Court with competent jurisdiction following legal actions he filed.

“Sending soldiers after school children and leaders of tomorrow shows what future we anticipate for the teeming population of young men and women who have taken to the streets to protest against a system that buries their dreams and shatters their potential and aspirations,” the group said.

On his part, Gani Adams in a letter dispatched to the president on Sunday, urged the president to initiate the process for the transformation of the police force to an organ driven by public interest.

The Aare Onakakanfo said it would be wrong to give the impression that Nigeria government is at war with her citizens, adding that the president must do everything to promote and defend democratic culture.

The Yoruba warlord in a statement in Ibadan on Sunday however, urged the protesters to ensure the process is not hijacked by violent and recalcitrant elements.

Adams urged President Buhari to see the protest as a form of resistance against systemic failure, corruption, economic and political exclusion and above all incompetence at all levels.