Nigeria News
#EndSARS: President Buhari Finally Addresses Nigerians (Video)
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, 12th October bowed to pressure from the #EndSARS protesters and addressed Nigerians on Police reforms.
It will be recalled that Nigerians had taken social media platforms particularly Twitter and also embarked on physical protests to press home their demands about the need for government to intervene and end various forms of Police brutality.
The protesters are demanding an end to the extrajudicial killings, excessive use of force, extortion, and other vices by operatives of the Nigerian Police.
They called on the government to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) which was done on Sunday by the Inspector-General of Police but also demanded the President, Muhammadu Buhari address Nigerians to assure them of what his government is doing on their demands.
The President on Monday, finally acceded to the demands of the protesters.
He said in the video uploaded on his Twitter handle on Monday that, “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.”
He also promised that all operatives of the now-disbanded SARS unit found to be guilty will be brought to justice without fear or favour.
He appealed to Nigerians not to allow the few bad eggs within the Police Force to tarnish the good works and image of the majority who are hardworking and diligent in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
Buhari added in the video: “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.”
See the video below:
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