Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has urged to young people to halt protests against police brutality and instead engage in talks on police reforms.
He said the government wants to “hear concrete and practical ideas” from young people.
It follows weeks of demonstrations by thousands of young Nigerians across the country to protest against police brutality and bad governance in the country.
“Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it,” President Buhari said in a speech said in a speech to mark the African Youth Day.
He was represented at the event by the Federal Capital Territory Minister Muhammad Bello.
The president’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, tweeted parts of the speech:
President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday in Abuja appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.
— Garba Shehu (@GarShehu) November 1, 2020
