Following the lootings and destruction of properties that eclipsed the peaceful protest and agitations of Nigerian youths to #EndSARS, Pastor Sam Adeyemi has charged that some would try to pin it on the youths, but they should not buy the “narrative.”
The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre described the turn of event as “sad”, but emboldened the youths, saying “They know those that introduced violence.”
Pastor Sam Adeyemi described as a phenomenon the historic rise against the extrajudicial killings of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), stating that the looters and hoodlums that hijacked the events are part of the reasons the youths had a demonstration.
“Dear young citizen. It’s time for everyone to reflect. The massive destruction of properties in Lagos and other cities is so sad. Some want to blame you, but you must not buy that narrative. They know those that introduced violence. #ENDSARS
“Those that looted and destroyed property are also not part of you. They are products of a system that does not value its youths and has left them with little or no hope. They are part of the reason you raised your voice against injustice and want a new Nigeria.
“What you did in less than a week was a phenomenon. Let me share how I see it. You attracted a mass following across all sectors within a short time because your cause is noble. No sane person should fault your call for justice.
“Leadership experts believed for a long time that the best way to motivate people to move is to give them a vision of the ideal future. But it has not always worked. People prefer the status quo to change.”
Pastor Sam Adeyemi also added that “In recent times, they have come to realize that it sometimes works better to tell the story of people’s pain: their livable experiences. You got this right. You generated impetus and galvanized people to act focusing on police brutality.
“You overcame things that have divided our country and frustrated its development including ethnicity and religion, and put up a united front. You practically shared love instead of our culture of prejudice. That was a breakthrough.”
He lamented the power gap between the leaders and the led, explaining that it is a major problem among developing countries.
“The power gap between the leader and the led is high in most developing countries. That gap is low in most developed countries. You crushed that gap. You ran an efficient system on a flat structure. Your model of leadership facilitates development.
“Your flat leadership structure meant no one was dominating another. As leaders, you took responsibility and served one another. You were accountable and transparent, announcing income and expenses daily. These have not been part of our leadership culture.
“You provided “stomach infrastructure”, meeting the basic needs for food and water. You provided healthcare with ambulance services. Some even got free haircuts on the street. Your organization was efficient.
“You got quick wins. A governor came to meet you on the street (I commend him for this). SARS was dissolved and the government agreed to your 5for5 demands (I commend the government for these).”
He charged the youths to take credence for creating a “mini new Nigeria
Pastor Adeyemi said: “Continue to call for a stop to the looting and destruction. Take a deep breath. You created a mini new Nigeria. How do you take things forward and scale-up? Please, stay strong online, own your narrative by all means, and keep your discussions going. #ENDSARS.”
