NATIONAL: Buhari vows to deal with any act of hooliganism

PRESIDENT Buhari on Monday, commended the Nigerian Army for quelling the violence that ensued in the wake of #EndSARS protest.

He said although his regime believed in the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests, such must be done responsibly.

He stressed that  his regime will deal decisively with “any act of hooliganism hiding behind peaceful protests.”

Buhari stated these while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 from the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At a time when there are reports of possible repeat of the recent #EndSARS protests, Buhari regretted the violence that trailed the last protests.

He said, “Let me also mention the EndSARS protest which was recently hijacked by hoodlums which resulted in loss of lives and property in many situations across the country.

“I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests.

“However, this must be done responsibly in accordance with the laws of the land.

“I also want to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind the peaceful protests, will be highly dealt with decisively to ensure the peace and stability of our nation.

“On this note, I commend the Nigeria Army for their efforts to swiftly restore law and order in many states during the last scale of criminality that ensued in the wake of the EndSARS protests.”