Shehu Sani, the former senator representing Kaduna central, has called on President Bola Tinubu to pardon the #EndSARS protesters who remain in detention.
Speaking at a dinner organized to mark the 2024 Democracy Day, Sani highlighted the plight of Nigerian youths who protested against the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in October 2020.
The nationwide protests led to the imposition of curfews in several states and the arrest of many protesters in cities like Lagos, Rivers, and Ibadan. Some of those arrested are still in custody, facing various charges linked to the protests.
“Mr. President, there are some people who are still in detention as a result of #EndSARS protests. They were young people who were protesting for justice, freedom, and democracy,” Sani said during the event attended by President Tinubu.
Sani drew parallels between the young protesters and Tinubu’s own history of activism, noting that Tinubu was a leading figure in the struggle for the return of civilian rule in Nigeria.
“Any young protester in Nigeria today should learn from you because you were the father of protest in Nigeria. Do something about it. Give them the freedom; give them the pardon,” Sani urged.
He added, “You taught us; you funded us to stand up and fight. So, they are your children and grandchildren; give them pardon.”
The former senator emphasized the importance of fostering freedom, equity, and justice in the country, suggesting that these values are crucial for national unity.
“Mr. President, I would like to draw your attention. A national anthem cannot unite a nation. A national pledge or a constitution cannot unite a nation,” Sani said.
“A nation is united by the ideals of freedom; a nation is united by equity and justice. Many younger generations of today have not and couldn’t know the sacrifice we have made to restore democracy to this country.”
He recounted the sacrifices made by various groups and individuals in the struggle for democracy, highlighting that democracy in Nigeria was not a gift but a hard-won achievement.
“Democracy wasn’t a gift given to us by the military. It wasn’t a lottery that we won. It was a product of struggle and sacrifice. There were people forced into exile, like the president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the likes of Wole Soyinka,” Sani recalled.
“There were people who were sent to prison like us. We are supposed to spend the first 15 years of our lives in prison, but by the magnanimity of God, we were out. There were many who were dead. This democracy is a product of struggle.”
Sani also acknowledged the contributions of various organizations, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the media, and labor unions like NUPENG, as well as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in the fight for democracy.
“Mr. President, you have a duty to succeed. If you succeed, we will share your glory because you came from the trenches, that period of struggle. Mr. President, if you fail, they would say those of you who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer to Nigeria,” he concluded.
