The leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti State has condemned in strong terms the attack on #endSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The Association also supported the rights of peaceful protesters to demand for good governance and reform, saying government at all levels must address issues raised by the protesters responsibly.
The Association made these known in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Ebenezer Kayode Ariyibi.
The statement said the position was taken after emergency meetings of the State Officers Committee (SOC) and Executive Council (SEC), stressing that the NMA ”condemns the unwarranted and senseless use of force/live ammunitions on unarmed and peaceful #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday 20th October, 2020, which resulted in casualties.”
Ariyibi, who noted that there had been casualties in Lagos, Ekiti and other states due to the crisis, said the use of force and live ammunition by authories are contrary to the constitution and International human rights law.
He said, “The primary purpose of Government is the protection of lives and properties of the citizens.
“We recognize and are in total support of the inalienable rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests to demand for an end to police brutality, corruption, massive unemployment, restiveness and all forms of insecurity. We join in the call for better governance, healthcare and reform in all facets of our national life/economy. We call on the government to protect the rights of the citizens, while protesters should not be violent.
”Ekiti NMA supports all peaceful protests for a just, fair, equitable and better Nigeria for all irrespective of age, gender, tribe or social class. We call on government at all levels to live up to expectations, dialogue with the protesters and seek a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
“We are not totally out of the woods concerning the spread of COVID-19 if the protests and mass gathering are allowed to continue.”
The Association also condemned the overzealousness of security operatives who continually prevent healthcare workers from going to work to save lives despite proper identification.
He urged easy passage of “members and other essential workers as they go about their businesses of caring for the sick and injured”.
Ariyibi therefore sympathised with families affected by the crisis in Ekiti, Lagos and other states while urging medical workers to stay safe.