Sponsorship Of #ENDSARS Protests: Count Me Out – Asiwaju Tinubu
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has described the allegation that he is one of the sponsors of #ENDSARS protesters as incorrect and fake news.
He specifically said that it is the height of illogicality to ascribe the sponsorship of the protest to him, saying that the sponsors of the fake news forget that the protest is so widespread and cuts across the country.
Asiwaju Tinubu, who stated these while reacting to insinuations of his being behind the #ENDSARS protest, said that he could not have in any way sponsored a protest that is affecting the economy of Lagos state.
These were contained in statement by his Media aide, Tunde Rahman on Sunday in which he stressed that it is impossible for the APC chieftain to sponsor the protest in all the states where it has occurred.
The statement further states; “There is a need to set the facts and record straight for fear that such a fake story may be taken on its face value by some unwary and gullible persons.
“Asiwaju Tinubu could not have sponsored the #EndSARS protest that has blocked one of the main entries into and out of Lagos and one of the economic arteries of the Lagos State Government.
“He could also not have sponsored such a protest where he too has been labeled a target by the organizers.
“Secondly, whereas Asiwaju Tinubu believes in the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, assembly, and protest where and when necessary, he has always canvassed the need for people to explore peaceful channels to ventilate their views and demands.
“He believes the #EndSARS protesters have made their demands, which the Federal Government is studying. Like most Nigerians, Asiwaju believes that SARS’ brutality and untoward conduct against innocent youths and other Nigerians have gone on for too long and that security outfit ought to be disbanded as demanded by the protesters,” he said.
Tinubu counseled the ENDSARS protesters that it is now time for them to wait, exercise restraint for dialogue and reform to commence.