The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), on Monday called on the Federal Government to heed to the voice of the youths and open up negotiations on their concerns about Nigeria.
Mrs Gloria Shoda, National President of NCWS made the call in a statement in Abuja.
”We have watched closely over the past couple of days and seen the intense yearnings of our youth across the nation, for reforms of the Nigerian Police Force.
”As mothers, the NCWS cannot stay as silent onlookers. We are all aware of the numerous incidents of loss of lives during alleged encounters with some law enforcement and security agents on our roads.
”Many youths over the years, have met their untimely deaths in controversial circumstances.
”In recent days, our youth have shown incredible resilience and sincerity in their calls for disbandment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and overall institutional reforms of the Nigerian Police,” she said.
Shoda said the coming days would be critical and called on Federal and State governments to explore ways of opening discussions to understand more on what the youths think about the future of the country.
”We are aware that one of the consistent calls from the protesters is the investigation into the complaints about allegations of extra-judicial killings and violations of human rights in general.
”It is clear however, that the protests have now gone beyond the End SARS issue.
”Government has directed the setting up of state-based judicial panels of inquiry on the protest.
”NCWS, which chapters in all the 774 local government areas and the FCT, knows that unemployment and the general insecurity are sources of angst for many of our youths.
”All States and FCT have high numbers of unemployed youths who have graduated from tertiary institutions but remain in the labour market long after leaving schools.
“These and several other socio-economic issues are part of the frustrations of the youth,” Shoda said.
She urged the youth to stay peaceful and orderly in their marches and candle-light processions, as they continue to seek the ear of government on their demands for reforms in the country.
”The Council which is the umbrella organisation of all women’s groups and associations has hope that Nigeria’s youth demography will surely become a dividend for the benefit of the country,” she said.
She also pleaded with the youths to also give government the space to redress the inadequacies.
