End SARS: Why protesters should focus on police reform – CD

Nigerian youths have been warned against allowing subversive elements to hijack the ongoing End SARS protest across the country.

There has been nationwide outrage over the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

The demonstrators, however, have been urged to focus on the theme of their campaign of reforming the Nigeria Police and not allow some persons hijack the movement for selfish reasons.

The Coalition for Democracy, CD, which gave this advice, noted since President Muhammadu Buhari has approved Nigeria Police Bill 2020, the youths should now push for the implementation of the reforms which gave birth to the theme of the #EndSARS protests.

President of the Coalition, Comrade Samson Atawodi, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, said the new Act will no doubt enhance professionalism in the Force through increased training opportunities as well as create an enduring cooperation and partnership between the Police Force and communities in maintaining peace and combating crimes nationwide.

President Buhari had on September 16, 2020, assented to the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well organized Police Force in Nigeria.

However, Atawodi noted that President Buhari has yielded to the cry of the protesting youths by disbanding the SARS unit of the Police as demanded by the protesters and agreed to implement suggestions on improving the police, it would be unfair for the youths to continue to express their grievances on the streets, thereby paralyzing commercial activities across the country.

“The Presidential Panel on Police Reform has agreed to the five-point demand of protesters, which includes halting use of force against protesters, unconditional release of arrested citizens; justice for the victims of police brutality, payment of compensation, and the psychological evaluation of policemen as well as increasing their salaries.

“By agreeing to do these, the Federal Government has shown that it is a listening government and is prepared to listen to suggestions that would make lives better for Nigerians,” he said.