President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all cabinet ministers to relocate to their home states to engage with the people and youths as part of measures to douse the heightened tension generated by the ENDSARS protests across the country.
The ministers are to meet stakeholders to explain Federal Government’s efforts to meet the demands of the youths.
The Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, confirmed the development during a courtesy call on Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State in Dutse.
Adamu said, “The President has directed all cabinet members to go to their states to solicit the support of political, traditional, religious and community leaders against the violence that emanated from #EndSARS protests.”
Adamu said he was therefore in the state to meet with leaders in promoting tolerance, peace and stability in this critical moment and hear from them and report back to the president.
He acknowledged that the #ENDSARS protests started well and was in line with the Nigerian Constitution but was hijacked by those who infringed on the rights of other citizens, killed innocent persons, looted and engaged in other criminal acts.
The minister said, “President Muhammad Buhari is soliciting the support of all other political leaders in the state to properly address the people of the state on the need to dispel any rumour that is tantamount to creating disunity among Nigerians and also throw the nation into crisis.”
In line with the President’s directive to the cabinet members, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, led the Federal Government peace mission to Akwa Ibom State.
The Niger Delta Affairs Minister was accompanied by other federal appointees from the state, including Senior Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang.
He urged the youths to embrace peace as President Buhari is committed to meeting their demands with regard to police reforms.
He stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration was doing a lot in terms of job creation and development of key economic infrastructure in the state and the Niger Delta region.
He asked youths of the state to take advantage of social and economic job intervention programmes of the government, adding that the administration was desirous of combating poverty and unemployment in the country.
Akpabio said the EndSARS protest was capable of scaring away existing and potential investors with the negative economic effects on the state and the region.
He commended Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel and other governors for setting up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to address the concerns of victims of SARS brutality, adding that the Federal Government was ready to work with governors to achieve justice for victims.
The minister urged all those who have lost their properties in the Thursday carnage to channel their petitions to the judicial commission of enquiry.
Also speaking, Senator Ita Enang condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property by miscreants under the guise of EndSARS.
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