The Coalition for a New Nigeria, CFNN, has condemned the killings of young Nigerians in different parts of the country, particularly the incidence of the Lekki toll gate massacre of Tuesday night.
The coalition described the incident as a new low in Nigeria’s history!
In a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the group condoled with families of those it called felled martyrs and thousands of young people who have continued to endure great stress, pain and injuries just to project their voices for a New Nigeria.
According to CFNN, the blood of the martyrs has watered the ground for a New Nigeria of our dreams, adding that
it was becoming very difficult to believe that the government understands or has properly gauged the mood of the youth across the country.
“The introduction of violence against peaceful protesters is not only in violation of the sanctity of our constitution that guarantees the right to life and peaceful protests but also makes a mockery of the tenets of democracy which the Nigerian youth seeks to uphold,” the coalition said.
“We had earlier warned in a press statement that any attempt to scuttle or violently suppress this newfound vigour by our youth for a greater stake in our own country would not only be a huge disservice to national development but also an open invitation to anarchy.”
“We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief to direct the Inspector General of Police and the Service Chiefs to immediately identify all those involved in the violent attack of peaceful protesters.
“We demand that all the states who are yet to set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry must do so within the next seven (7) days to investigate the conduct of state security apparatus in the ongoing peaceful protests across the country.
“While these measures are being implemented, the government should cease and desist from adopting positions including ‘ungolden’ silence that betrays sympathy to the violence that is being unleashed on our streets and against our youths.
“The body language of the government might make it difficult to de-escalate and resolve the current crisis. As such, we demand that the President should immediately address the nation to de-escalate the rising tension in the country.
“Finally, we encourage our youths on peaceful protests on our streets to continue to be peaceful. We must never respond with violence against violence. We must also be ready to dialogue since every crisis including wars end up on the negotiation table. But we insist that it must be an inclusive and altruistic negotiation table.
“We must never allow opportunists and criminal elements to Infiltrate our ranks. We are not calling for the subversion of government. We are just peaceful youths who have been pushed to the wall by a system that seeks to exclude and undermine us.
“Clearly, the old vision has run its course. Nigerian youth have shown that it is time to birth a new vision of a just, equitable, inclusive and compassionate society that provides safe handles for the realization of the noble dreams and aspirations of every Nigerian irrespective of religion, tribe, or social status.
“The young people have spoken loud and clear that they will no longer be silent or silenced into accepting the status quo as a norm. Definitely, Nigeria can do better and it is our collective responsibility especially as younger Nigerians to ensure that the greatness of our country is realized in our lifetime.
“The Coalition for a New Nigeria believes strongly that the New Nigeria of our dreams is possible. It is therefore important to take immediate steps to bolster the intellectual aspects of our struggle.
“We will not only street-storm we will also brainstorm on those critical Irreducible Minimum Charter of Demands that will henceforth guide our participation in the business of nation-building within the broader body politic. We have established a barometer to measure compliance with the above demands and all other demands that have been made by young people across Nigeria. “
