BREAKING: Buhari Vows To Deal With ‘Hooliganism Hiding Behind Peaceful Protests’

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to reports that some Nigerians were planning to stage fresh desmostrations across the country under the aegis of #EndSARS protests.

Buhari, in a statement by the Presidency on Twitter, said his administration would not tolerate any form of “hooliganism” under the pretext of peaceful protests.

The Presidency said Buhari, “warned that any act of hooliganism hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.”

Meanwhile, Buhari restated the warning while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts at restoring law and order in various states during the violence that followed the #ENDSARS protests.

Buhari said his government was committed to the rights of citizens to embark on lawfaul and responsible peaceful protests.

The president recalled that the #ENDSARS protests were sadly hijacked by hooligans to destroy lives and property in many cities across the country.

Buhari described 2020 as a very challenging year, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.

“In spite of this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its Constitutional roles.

“The Army’s support of civil authorities in the management of the COVID-19 Pandemic is a case in point.

“Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army,” he said.