#EndSARS Protest: OPS condemns violence, looting, burning of properties

The Organized Private  Sector  of  Nigeria (OPSN) comprising Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI)  has condemned  the violence, looting, burning of properties and destruction of infrastructure across the country.

A statement by the National  President of NACCIMA, Saratu Iya  Aliyu, who is currently, the coordinating chairperson of OPSN , regretted that “a  peaceful protest by youths which was started by the #ENDSARS Group, about two weeks ago has regrettably been hijacked by thugs, hoodlums and miscreants,” who went about destroying lives and properties.

The statement  which  reads: “we, members of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) consisting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME); Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) condemn the violence, looting, and burning of properties and destruction of infrastructure across the country,” said the group was saddened by the wanton destruction of lives and properties.

“As members of the OPSN we are saddened by the scores of deaths across the country and commiserate with families of those who have died from these violent protests and looting by thugs, miscreants and hoodlums.

These deaths are regrettable and they should not have occurred if the crisis had been handled properly from the onset.

We must all therefore work to end the atmosphere of anarchy which is evolving and which we are witnessing. We are therefore calling on the Police, the National Civil Defense Corps and other relevant security agencies to do all in their power to put an end to the crisis,” OPSN said.

According to the group, “the impacts of the ongoing crisis on the economy have been devastating. Billions of Naira have been lost as a result of attacks on businesses; many are on the verge of losing their livelihoods. Properties, factories and infrastructure across the nation have been destroyed with innocent citizens bearing the brunt of the outcome.

As members of the OPSN, we are shocked at the scale of criminality, destruction and looting now being experienced. We are deeply saddened by this development especially after working assiduously with all stakeholders, on the most appropriate way to rebuild our economy which had been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Aliyu  said restoration of peace and security is now an immediate priority, without which local and foreign investors will be deterred, stressing that the OPSN is ready to work with all stakeholders in the private sector,government at all levels and other peace-loving Nigerians to restore peace and order.

The OPSN  called  for an end to violence, and looting across the nation, adding that  dialogue is a way for peace and security and to save the economy and nation. It also  called on “the youths to join in this  assignment”.

This, it said, is not just for the  sake of the economy but for the “ survival of our nation, the security of  lives and the safety of property.

It is also to enable us create the necessary environment for dialogue  for strategic options to meet the  legitimate demands of the youths for  jobs and to open other economic and  entrepreneurial opportunities for them.

It said through frank dialogue and in an atmosphere of peace,  “let us all  therefore rise up to an historic duty  which is now beckoning on us.

It is  our national duty to restore peace and  security, ensure safety of lives and  properties; as well prevent the  collapse of our economy at this  juncture in the history of our nation.”