Various reactions have trailed the #EndSARS protest since it began. From serious opposition from the political class who initially turned deaf ears to the gradual change of attitude we are beginning to see, one can tell that the government is feeling the heat of the #EndSARS protest. It’s about time we see the desired change.

The reactions from our leaders are as diverse as they come. While some are volunteering to lead the protest, others are sending their apologies for being insensitive from the get-go. Just recently, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives disclosed that he would not sign off the 2021 budget without the inclusion of compensation for the #ENDSARS victims.

Watch the video here:

Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila just reiterated that he won't sign off on a 2021 budget that does not include adequate compensation for those who have suffered Police brutality in the past 10 years.
We move #endsars pic.twitter.com/VYjsYEnacy

— PRESIDENT SAMKLEF (@SAMKLEF) October 20, 2020

A step in the right direction, indeed. But what is the guarantee that the proposed funds will get to the right persons, considering the history of embezzlement and fund diversion that has plagued the system? 

The corruption allegation against the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), that claimed to have spent N81.5 billion within a space of 7 months is a case in point. We can only imagine what became of the projects the funds were meant for.

Another example is the N2.67B School Feeding programme funds that allegedly ended up in the private accounts of some undisclosed persons.

With the different accounts we have heard about funds diversion earmarked for various projects, how should we expect the proposed funds for the #EndSARS victims to be disbursed? There has got to be a reliable system of accountability if the speaker wants to be taken seriously. 

Making provision to compensate victims whose rights have been violated by the police is just one step towards fixing the endemic rot in the system. Other key issues such as cutting down on the cost of governance and slashing the unjustifiable salaries lawmakers earn is another critical issue to address.

The good thing about the reactions, however, is that it shows the voices of the youth are getting to them which is why the push must continue until we see the desired change, not just empty talks and promises from our leaders. It’s no longer business as usual.

The protest has no doubt, come with its challenges, including stiff oppositions and disruptions. The worst of it has been the deaths of beloved comrades – a significant reason why we must fight to get the government to act on all the laid demands; ensuring we get justice for the victims and their deaths were not in vain.

Reactions:

Mr Speaker what are u guys doing to reduce the allowances you take home. You guys should be the same as public servant and should have a minimum wage. Take this step Mr Speaker and your name will be written in Gold. God bless Nigeria

— Ebube (@princejeff2) October 20, 2020

All these statement na audio… We want to see it physically done

— Diplomacy® (@prinz_sammy) October 20, 2020

Endsars won't end d problem and suffering of average Nigerian.
We need a new system of government where everything taken from us will b accounted for. #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria #NewConstitution #EndSufferingInNigeria No Nigerian is more Nigerian. Stay woke Protest we just started

— 0fficialsmart_feelin (@Smart_feelin) October 20, 2020

Oga all this na set up
I watched full video it shows they are acting its been cooked #EndSARS

— Salami Idris ? (@iamAlomaa) October 20, 2020

Bro for me all this be eye service o. As long as those old men are there things will never change. Bro na all of us get this country and na so e go be.

— excel eddy (@omokhegebele) October 20, 2020

Why didn't he include slashing of their salaries and allowances greedy politicians

— @dinowhyteky800 (@ekanem_dino) October 20, 2020

Later the funds will be a sign to members of the house for them to make sure the funds get to the affected family and THEY WILL STILL CHOP THE MONEY if I no talk lie just like #EndSARS #endcurfew #SarsMustGo #justiceforjimohisiaq

— Man like laycon?????????? (@CallmeFibonacci) October 20, 2020