The Chancellor Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe has appealed to youths especially those engaging in destruction of public infrastructure to henceforth stop and allow government to resolve issues contained in the #EndSARS agitation.
While expressing regret that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums and opportunistic criminals, he insisted that further destruction of private and public assets will create a tense atmosphere that will go no one any good.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the university, Sleek Ogbonnaya Ogwo, Prof. Ibe said the mournful mood of the country at the moment after the death of protesters across the country makes the continuous violence and looting unnecessary.
“He thereby enjoined perpetrators of these unpatriotic acts to restrain while allowing for peaceful resolution of the issues being contended for by the #EndSARS protesters. In his words, I join both President Muhammadu Buhari and my Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in appealing for cessation of all hostilities to create enabling environment for peaceful settlement of the issues that precipitated the protest in the first place. I therefore raise and wave the flag of peace enjoining everyone to respect the right of others to grieve over the loss of their loved relatives, heal from the tragedy, and obtain closure in the process.
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“Contending that wanton destruction of public infrastructure will not be beneficial to anyone, Prof Ibe concluded by enjoining Abians, in particular, to rise up in protection of public assets by organising local watch sessions and vigilante groups to secure such facilities. According to him, I also support the call by my Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for security agents and our local vigilante groups to deploy conventional lawful means in preventing escalation of all forms of violence while protecting hard-earned public infrastructure from destruction. He argued that the state needs to remain attractive to all forms of foreign and local investments to grow her economy, a desire that cannot be achieved in an environment of hostility” he said.
