ECOWAS Calls For Peace So Nigeria Can Maintain Image As 'Bastion Of Law, Order'

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeks an end to the ongoing #EndSARS protest, calling on the Federal Government and the protesters to dialogue so that Nigerian can maintain its image as "a bastion of law and order".

This was disclosed by the agency's Directorate of Communications in Abuja Wednesday.

It stated urged protesters to remain peaceful as they conduct their protest, while security operatives should "exercise constraint" in handling the protest.

The statement read, “While ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and protests, it also wishes to stress that those rights should be exercised in a non-violent manner.

“In this regard, ECOWAS Commission calls on all protesters to remain peaceful in the conduct of their demonstrations. It also urges the Nigerian security operatives to exercise restraint in the handling of the protests and act professionally.

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“ECOWAS Commission further notes that, in an effort to address the demands of the protesting youths, the Federal Government of Nigeria took important decisions regarding disbandment of SARS, comprehensive police reforms and investigation of cases of police brutality.

“Finally, the ECOWAS Commission appeals to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian youths, and the civil society to urgently pursue dialogue for an early and amicable resolution of this social unrest.

 “And maintain the Nigerian image as a bastion of law and order.”