Why Buhari was unhappy with EndSARS protest – Garba Shehu

Garba Shehu, a former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has said his former boss would have supported the EndSARS protest if it had not been taken over by subversive elements.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Shehu reflected on Buhari’s approach to the youth-led movement, which began as a peaceful protest against police brutality but later turned violent in some parts of the country.

According to Nigeria News 247, Buhari passed away at the age of 82 at the London Clinic on Sunday and is to be buried today.

“Shehu explained that President Buhari initially welcomed the protest and responded with dialogue and concessions, including the disbandment of the SARS police unit,” the report said.

“He would have welcomed it, knowing him — even if it was a grievance issue,” Shehu said. “There were legitimate complaints, and the government responded early with offers of dialogue and reforms.”

However, Shehu said the situation changed when the protest descended into violence, including vandalism, attacks on law enforcement, arson, and murder.

“The problem came when it became a law and order issue. Police stations were being burnt, public assets destroyed, and innocent citizens killed. No responsible government would watch that happen without responding,” he added.

Shehu emphasized that while the original EndSARS movement had “noble intentions,” it was eventually hijacked by what he described as subversive forces.

“President Buhari could not have been pleased with that. He wasn’t — and we all hope such violence never happens again in this country,” he concluded.