Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege has called on Nigerians, especially protesting youths to support the move to reform the Nigerian police.
Omo-Agege in a personally signed statement noted that the Federal Government and governors of states where the #EndSARS protests have taken place have taken steps to see to reforms in the police.
He observed that though Nigerians have the right to protest, it would be be more productive if they backed actions taken by government in response the grievances raised by them.
The statement read in part: “Lately, many Nigerians, especially our youths, have been protesting unjustifiable brutality and other condemnable human rights violations by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force. It is overwhelmingly agreed that our citizens are right to make their voices heard on questions of inhuman and degrading treatments through these peaceful protests. A scene of peaceful Nigerian youths gathering publicly in Abuja today to seek God’s intervention against police brutality in the nation should no doubt touch the conscience of all.
“Ours is a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assemblies. Consistent with this truth, the Federal Government led by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governments of States impacted by these protests have been engaging constructively with our fellow citizens. This is the proper approach in a democracy. It is quite reassuring and should always be part of our democratic culture”.
“As an elected representative of a constituency that is impacted by the identified challenges highlighted by the #EndSARS protests, I identify wholly with citizens who protest peacefully. I have spoken in the past and now against criminal, unethical and violent actions against fellow citizens during errant policing operations. It is my hope and prayer that these actions will now stop for good.
“I support all constructive, respectful and responsible engagements to stop human rights violations, and will always do so. Also, I believe that comprehensive Police reforms is the only sustainable path for our Police to genuinely earn the trust of our citizens and execute its constitutional mandate without self-inflicted negative prejudices and suspicions.
“It is commendable that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has, as a necessary initial step, responded to overwhelming demands by disbanding the SARS unit of the Police. As generally expected, he has also announced measures to reform the Police – #PoliceReforms – with critical and objective inputs from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and leading human rights activists. It is important to encourage this process for the greater good of our nation. I am confident that all Distinguished Senators of the 9th Senate under the leadership of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Ahmad Lawan, will individually and collectively support and monitor this important process”, the statement further read.
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