Protest Against SARS, Standup To Rights Violation – Shehu Sani

Former lawmaker representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Shehu Sani, has disclosed lessons Nigerian leaders and security operatives should learn from the protest against the brutality of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

The human rights activist noted that the protest is a sign that Nigerians would no longer condone violation of their rights.

Sani further stated that the protest and disbandment of SARS should see the police reformed.

He said: “The nation is indeed facing a serious security challenge, and SARS has not proven to be the solution; instead, they have shown to be part of the problem.”

“They have not focused on the problem, but they have turned themselves into a cruel force for violation of fundamental human rights, and we cannot differentiate them from the criminal gangs which the country is battling with.”

“If SARS has been effective in combating crime, Nigerians won’t be facing this kind of violence and bloodshed.”

“So, the point is that in a democracy, we must balance our security exigencies with our obligation to respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians. If we have to sacrifice the law and fundamental right to fight crime, we will end up losing both our rights and not be able to tackle the problem.”

“This is a lesson to all security agents in the country that there is no impunity when it comes to violating the rights of Nigerians so the police should be able to tackle crime and respect the rights of Nigerians.”

“This should herald new police in Nigeria whose preoccupation should be combating crime without constituting itself into an evil force.”