Frontline standup comedian, master of ceremonies and actor, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba gcfr, has called on Nigerian elders to desist from moves aimed at discouraging the youth from continuing with the ongoing ₦EndSARS protests, as it is the only way the youth can reclaim their rights.

The 55-year-old Religious Studies & Philosophy graduate from Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University) Ekpoma, said this on Wednesday while expressing his support for the protests now running into one week.

Said the Warri, Delta State-born son of a retired soldier: “When I said trying to stop these young ones or initiating a middle road, without letting leadership speak to their needs, and fast, it sounded like I was just yarning.

“The bottled up anger that we suppressed, for years, because we were raised differently, is not the kind that is exploding across the country.

“The anger right now will consume all. The only changes now, are the types that were promised but not given, when APC campaigned.

“The youths outnumber us in percentage by 60%. If you add 25% of the children below 17, that is a chunk of 85% of 200 million.

“Of the rest 15%, that is us, 5% are rich and comfortable. The 10% that’s us, are collateral damage to these youths. We didn’t help cause change. We are not helping them to effect the change. Now we want to be a bridge between them and that 5%.

“So please guys, let’s continue to speak to power. Let’s call them to listen. Let’s call them to reason.

“The bottom line of these issues, when not attended, is a consuming action that will divide the sea and swallow all like the Egyptians, even they refused to let the people go. It's a crucial moment, and realising that we have failed, is one thing. Realising that we could not do anything about it for nearly 40 years is a more important reality.

“Now the young ones are bitter, broken, frustrated, unbundled, raped, oppressed, unemployed, unloved, unwanted and unshaken...

“Please we cannot be seen to be a stumbling block to the freedom we couldn’t give them, but by stroke of luck, they have found a way to secure the window of a fighting chance to claim it back for themselves, their children and children’s children.”

Update news