The Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Rev Chris Okotie, has expressed support for the #EndSARS protests against police brutality rocking the nation.

The cleric also condemned the oppression of protesters by security operatives in the country including the attack on harmless youths at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday night.

Okotie, who said the demands of the youths were legitimate, urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to display his fatherly disposition now and not show himself as the Commander-In-Chief.

Nigerians have keenly waited to hear Buhari speak amidst the ensuing violence and tragedy that has greeted the #EndSARS protests in the last few days but the President was yet to address the nation.

The leadership of the National Assembly had also asked the President to address Nigerians and provide leadership amidst the crisis but no word has been heard directly from the retired major general in Aso Villa.

Okotie in his statement titled, ‘Okotie Backs Protesters, Calls For Caution’, said the demonstrations of the youths were not directed at any political party but has one objective which is to seek police reforms.

“These young people are not rebellious dissidents. Rather they are emissaries of posterity. Galvanised by the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian psyche and the relentless cry of posterity, they have become veritable instruments in the hands of destiny to chart a realistic path for the Nigerian renaissance,” the cleric said.

He added that “Nigeria is about to be reborn” with the way they youths have been calling for better governance.

“I apply to the indulgence of Mr. President to please be a father now and not a Commander-In-Chief and treat this matter with conciliatory disposition; let compassion mitigate the sterner resolutions of your political oversight.

“Please listen to the Nigerian Youth, no matter how discordant their voices may be.”

By Kayode Oyero