By Tom Zaneni, Abuja
A former senator and activist, Shehu Sani, has called for discontinuation of the anti-hunger August protests.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th Senate, made the call in a tweet he posted on his X handle.
He cited as reasons the scores of deaths, injuries suffered by several demonstrators and wanton destruction of property so far recorded in the mass action across the country.
Sani, who was deeply involved in pro-democracy activism during the military juntas, described the losses as unfortunate.
He observed that in most parts of the north, there were no visible leaders among the protesters.
He said a situation where hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protests in some cities was not acceptable.
Sani particularly expressed disappointment over the manner some property were razed by irate youths in Kano, Kaduna and other cities on Thursday and Friday.
He advised those willing to encourage the continuation of the protests, especially in the north, to reconsider their stand based on the potential danger ahead.
Sani said, “With scores dead, hundreds injured and properties worth billions of Naira belonging to private businesses and Government destroyed by hoodlums, mostly in Northern states,those wishing to encourage the continuation of this protest, especially in the North should reconsider.
“At our end, it’s violent protests without visible leadership and must be discontinued.”
The former senator, however, stated that protest is a constitutional right of Nigerians but should be carried out peacefully and without any threats to life and property.
He lauded the proactiveness of the security agencies and their quick interventions at some flashpoints.
