Youths demand pardon on those convicted during EndSARS protests or resume protests

By GYANG BERE, Jos

Plateau youths have urged Governor Simon Lalong to grant pardon to those who were arrested and convicted by the courts during the ENDSERS protests in the state or face massive protests.

Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Youth Wing, Plateau State, Pharm. Markus Kanda Audu stated this in his submission to Governor Simon Lalong on Friday after a robust engagement meeting convened by the Governor in Government House Jos.

“Government should look into the case of those who were tried and convicted of breaking the law as regards to curfew, to grant them pardon.

“Deliberate effort by government to engage and involve the youth not just as Personal Assistants but as Commissioners, members of Boards and Parastatals. Need to actively engage all recognized youth bodies periodically but regularly at local, state and national issues.

“Government should make more effort to ensure that attacks on communities become a thing of the past.  We recognized that government cannot employ every youth but there is need for government to provide enabling environment to help businesses strive.”

The Secretary, National Council of Muslims Youths Organisations, Plateau State, Ali Ado in his submission endorsed the recommendations of his Christian counterpart and said those arrested during the protests should be release.

He urged government to be open to criticism and do more in encouraging youth participation in good governance and decision making in the interest of peace and unity of the state.

Leader of the ENDSARS protesters in Plateau, Plangkat Melaham gave Plateau State Government an ultimatum of 90 days to released those arrested and convicted; and also meet the demands of youths in the state or they will return to streets for massive protests.

Melaham said demanded for Justice for all victims of police and Military brutality in the state through thorough and investigation with a view to compensate them and their families should be given maximum attention.

“We demand justice for all victims of Police and Military brutality (Henry Anthony Dokotri, Joshua Malan, Rinji Peter Bala, Shedrach Kums Fenan, and all others) through the independent judicial panel of inquiry which has been set up d to oversee the investigation, report and prosecution of police misconduct.

“We unequivocally state that if after 90 days there is no feasible progress in meeting the demands herein stated within the powers of the Governor, the youths would meet on the streets again.”

Governor Lalong directed the Commissioner for Youths to commenced the process for the conduct of Plateau Youth Council election which was suspended few months ago.

He promised to look into the demands of the youths with a view to resolving these issues and to work a roadmap of mediation and frequent engagement of the youth on issues of development in the state. (Saturday Sun)