Nigeria Today Magazine News Obi Rejects Akande’s Claims, Says #EndSARS Not Politically Motivated

Obi Rejects Akande’s Claims, Says #EndSARS Not Politically Motivated


Peter Obi

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims by former Osun State governor, Bisi Akande, that the #EndSARS protests were orchestrated by his supporters, the Obidient Movement, to hinder the political ambition of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, described Akande’s allegations as misleading and insensitive, particularly to the memory of those who lost their lives during the protests.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive,” Ibrahim said. “The #EndSARS protests were a spontaneous response to police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship. To suggest they were politically motivated is both inaccurate and unfair.”

The protests, which took place in October 2020, initially demanded the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to widespread reports of human rights abuses. However, they soon evolved into a broader movement calling for good governance and police reform.

Akande, in a recent interview, claimed that the protests were funded by foreign donors and organized to prevent Tinubu from becoming president.

“The Obidients were behind #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu),” Akande alleged. “It was well planned and organized with a lot of money from America.”

However, Obi’s supporters have rejected the claim. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, described Akande’s statement as an attempt to rewrite history.

“The claim is baseless and an insult to the young Nigerians who lost their lives fighting against police brutality,” Yunusa said. “Rather than engaging in misinformation, political leaders should focus on addressing the economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment affecting Nigerians.”

The #EndSARS protests remain a significant event in Nigeria’s recent history, with ongoing calls for justice and police reform.

 

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