EndSARS: OPSN expresses regret over lost of lives, calls for end to atmosphere of anarchy

By allcitynews.ng

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has expressed regret over lost of lives, the pains and the damage done to the economy through the EndSARS protests.

Even as it called for end to atmopshere of anarchy in the country, saying,
“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 Civil Defense Corps and other relevant security agencies to do all in their power to put an end to the crisis.”

The statement by the Chairperson of OPSN, Hajia Saratu Iya Aliyu Chairperson,
OPSN, noted that “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.”

Moreover Hajiya Aliyu,who is also the National President of NACCIMA pointedly said, “The impact 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.”

In addition she lamented that “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.

“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.

Decrying the protests which started on a peaceful step suddenly became a bloody one, emphasised 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.”

“Restoration of peace and security is now an immediate priority, without which local and foreign investors will be deterred. 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. We also
The Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) Calls for an end to Violence, and Looting across the nation: calls for dialogue as way for peace and decurity and to save the economy and nation call on the youths to join in this
assignment. This is not just for the
sake of the economy but forthe
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 meetthe
legitimate demands of the youths for
jobs andto open other economic and
entrepreneurialopportunities for them.
Through frank dialogue and in an atmosphere of peace, let us all
therefore rise up to an historicduty
which is now beckoning on us. It is
our national duty to restore peace and
security, ensuresafety of lives and
properties; as well prevent the
collapse of our economy at this
juncture in thehistory of our nation.

God will bless our concerted efforts to
end the violence and crisis.