Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has apologized to Nigerians, admitting that the Federal Government was not quick in addressing the demands of #EndSARS protesters.
Professor Osinbajo who took to his Twitter handle acknowledged that the anger and frustrations expressed by young Nigerians were understandable, adding that “far too many people have been brutalized at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable”.
The former university don therefore assured that the Federal Government is taking cogent steps towards revamping the Nigerian Police, particularly in the areas of welfare, service conditions, and training.
He also reiterated that officers from the disbanded unit will not be a part of any tactical squad and equally commiserated with the “families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers, wishing those injured a full and speedy recovery”.
Read his tweets below:
Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough.
These feelings of frustration are justified.— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
Several meetings have been held with: the @SPLawan, @femigbaja, the Chief of Staff to @MuhammaduBuhari, Chairman of the @PoliceServiceC2, the IG of @PoliceNG (IGP), the Executive Secretary of @NHRCNigeria, and governors.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust.
Keep safe. God bless you. – YO pic.twitter.com/jOYmh1i6wJ
— Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
