Updated: EndSARS not only against police brutality, but fixing economy – Prof Imumolen

The recent #EndSARS protests recorded in some parts of the country are beyond mere agitations to stop police brutality but a strong message for the government to fix the economy, Convener of Nigeria Peace and Sustainable Initiative (NPSI), Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has said.

Last week, protesters had stormed the Lekki tollgate in Lagos in commemoration of the #EndSARS protests which culminated in the shooting that took place in the area in October 2020.

But Imumolen insisted that the protest was not only about ending of SARS, but a way to push the government to look into various aspects of the economy.

Acknowledging that a lot had happened in the last one year, and that the protest had ended police brutality to an extent, Imumolen said that fixing the economy was what should matter most.

Speaking at a press conference held recently in the Ikeja area of Lagos, Imumolen said much needed to be done in terms of the economy, interpreting EndSARS in such a way that it would involve fixing the economy.

To Imumolen the “E” in ENDSARS stands for Employment, “N” stands for Nigeria for All, “D” for Digitalisation of the Economy, “S” for Security and Safety for All, “A” for Alternative Source of Power “R” for Rescue Nigeria from Poverty while “S” stands for Social Welfare for All.

He said if all these parameters were worked on, Nigeria could be great in less than six years.

According to him, they are equally working on a movement that will metamorphose into a political party which will feature in national discussions and give a voice to young Nigerian youths to achieve their goals in life.

The movement, Imumolen said, is about young Nigerians ready to rescue the country from the present condition.

He said, “We are working on a movement that will metamorphose into a political party. We will be involved in the 2023 elections. Already, we have started the registration of the party. Before now, we have been working as social entrepreneur since 2010.

“The movement is about young Nigerians who are ready to rescue the country. We will be sincere and we have the knowledge and international exposure.”

Warning that things might get worse, if Nigeria failed to get it right this time, Prof Imumolen advised both the youths and the entire citizens to get involved in the democratic process, stating that would be the only way to bring about the desired change.

“It is the right of every Nigerian to have a voters card. Nigerians must endeavour to get voters cards and engage in politics”, Imumolen advised.

Imumolen also revealed that NPSI has plans to create room for the middle class which at present does not exist in the Nigerian society, adding that the only way to build Nigeria is to provide social interventions for the people.

 

On efforts of the government, one year after ENDSARS, Imumolen noted that the government had only paid lip service to the situation.