‘There Are Ongoing Reform Efforts To End Police Brutality’ – President Buhari Finally Speaks On EndSARS Protests
President Muhammadu Buhari has addressed the ongoing nationwide protests against brutality and extortion by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
He spoke days after the protests by various groups and in different capacities began and few hours after actress Genevieve Nnaji in an open letter asked President Buhari to address the nation, in show of good leadership.
Accusing the special anti-robbery squad (SARS), a unit of the police, of human rights abuse, many Nigerians in a renewed agitation have taken to the streets to demand the disbandment of the unit.
Read Also: EndSARS Protests: Comedian, Mr Macaroni, Others Spend Night Outside Lagos Assembly (photos/videos)
Buhari has now addressed the nation in a statement via his official handle, pointing out that there are ongoing efforts to end police brutality and unethical conduct.
In a statement late on Friday night, Buhari confirmed that he had met with the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.
The President expressed his determination to reform the Police Force and ensure that officers are fully accountable to Nigerians.
I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people. pic.twitter.com/yoLoZt7Et9
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 9, 2020
The President added that the IG has been instructed to address the concerns of Nigerians regarding the excesses of the security unit.
Buhari added that the police must that ensure erring personnel are brought to justice.
He then appealed for patience and calm, even as many Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.
The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice. I appeal for patience & calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 9, 2020
President Buhari however stated that vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are “patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians“, saying; “We will continue to support them to do their job”.
The vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, and we will continue to support them to do their job.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) October 9, 2020
