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#EndSARS: Osinbajo apologises, receives backlash from protesters
BY NICHOLAS ABE
Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Friday night apologised to aggrieved Nigerians, apparently on behalf of the Federal Government, for moving slowly in responding to the issues of police brutality against Nigerian citizens, especially the youths.
But not a few of the aggrieved Nigerian youths who have been speaking up in the streets and on social media platforms replied him kindly.
Even though Osinbajo’s letter, published on his Twitter handle, shied away from specifically mentioning the #EndSARS or any of the other hashtags upon which the youths are protesting police infringements on their fundamental human rights, he however acknowledged the issues and declared that government must take responsibility.
While condoling with families of victims who had lost their lives as a result of extra-judicial killings by “wayward” and “errant” police officers, Osinbajo assured the populace that he had been in meetings with the Senate president, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and some other senior government officials, to find a way forward.
Osinbajo’s letter reads:
“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.
“With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.
READ: SARS House of Horror: Intriguing account of a Survivor
“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.
“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.
“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.
“On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.
“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.”
A Twitter user, who goes by the handle, OwonlaTobi #EndSWAT #EndSARS @largemony, responding to Vice President Osinbajo said: “Time for apologies has passed sir, we demand reconstruction of NIGERIA, that’s the only way we can live the street.. All sectors reformed.”
Another, SARSMUSTGO! @SayRahFelix1, tweeted: “Dear “Pastor” VP Sir, with all due respect Sir, your apology is medicine after death Sir. And don’t even try to tell us you understand how we feel because you DO NOT! You are not being terrorized by police brutality neither are your children, wife, friends and relative.”
Yet another, Muhammed Adam #EndSWATNow @Egi_nupe_, replied the VP: “Respectfully sir, we are now very unwilling to take words seriously until we begin to see actions. Just today, the NGF openly opposed the scrapping of SARS by the IGP. What’s the assurance that they will take actions in their respective states?
“Again, despite the IGP’s directive, there are still reports of police brutality and attacks on peaceful protesters. Does it mean these policemen don’t take orders from the IGP? Why must it take time to commence work immediately to bring them to book?”