As Nigerian youths continued their protests against the brutality of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) despite the decision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammad Adamu, to dissolve the squad, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that scrapping the squad is the first step in police reform.
The protesters had vowed to continue with their protest insisting that all their demands must be met. According to them, the IGP could not be trusted as the police had issued similar directives in the past.
However, Buhari in a broadcast on Monday said, “The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.”
The President explained that there were good people in the force, adding that the activities of the few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image of the good people in the force.
He said he would ensure that all those responsible for misconduct are dealt with, expressing regrets “over the death of the young man in Oyo State.” He said, I have also directed that the death should be thoroughly investigated.”
Earlier, the President had said the determination of the government to reform the police should never be in doubt.
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Buhari said he was being briefed regularly on the ongoing efforts to end brutality and unethical conduct in the squad and ensure that the police are fully accountable to the people.
Also speaking at the State House on Monday, during launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), the President said, “I will like to use this opportunity to say a word on the recent genuine concerns and agitations by Nigerians about the excessive use of force and in some cases extra-judicial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force.
“The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.
“We will also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts are brought to justice.
“We deeply regret the loss of life of the young man in Oyo State during the recent demonstrations. I have directed that the circumstances of his death should be thoroughly investigated.
“Meanwhile, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of men and women of the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties. The few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image and reputation of the force”, he said.
On the empowerment programme, the President while restating his administration’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation pledged that the Federal Government policies of social protection and people empowerment would continue on track, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.
The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people. pic.twitter.com/XjQMSr3jlm
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 12, 2020
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