United States Democratic Presidential candidate, Joe Biden has joined a growing list of prominent international personalities who have called on President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to desist from using brute force on peaceful protesters.
Biden’s call comes on the heels of reports that no fewer than 50 peaceful protesters were killed by soldiers in Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday.
The protesters were demanding for police reforms and good governance when soldiers opened fire on them.
Reacting to the sad development Joe Biden released a statement that read:
“I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence.
“The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.
“I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria,” he added.
.@JoeBiden on violence in Nigeria: “I urge President Buhari & the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria…The US must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform & seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.” pic.twitter.com/G3DfOZtOIw
— Molly Nagle (@MollyNagle3) October 21, 2020
Former Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, had earlier taken to Twitter to condemn the Lekki shooting.
She also called on President Buhari and the Nigerian Army to desist from killing the protesters.
I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS protesters. #StopNigeriaGovernment
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 20, 2020
