EndSars Protester continue at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.Photo Akeem Salau
–Condemns looting, destruction of government, private properties
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja
THE National Association of Seadogs, NAS, has demanded for the immediate trial of all 35 officers of the disbanded Special Anti- Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit of the Nigerian Police Force, indicated by the Special Presidential panel on SARS.
NAS also known as Pyrates Confraternity has also expressed sadness over the looting, destruction of government and private properties, assaults on police stations and policemen, prison-breaks and attacks on innocent Nigerians by miscreants hiding under the #EndSARS protests.
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In a statement on Saturday, titled, ‘That Nigeria Beyond Lights Out in Lekki’ and signed by NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje, the association frowned at the violence that gripped the country in the wake of shooting of protesters at Lekki toll gate, Lagos State.
Owoaje in the statement said that the Federal Government has the responsibility to create an atmosphere for a sincere dialogue on the legitimate demands of the youths and show serious commitment to police reform.
According to him, “There has being too many failed promises and repeatedly dashed national hope. Hence, it is incumbent on the government to restore confidence and faith in its citizens.
“The Federal Government must show seriousness on its commitment to Police reform by immediately commencing the trial of the indicted 35 officers of the disbanded SARS in line with the recommendations of the 2019 Special Presidential Panel on SARS.”
Commenting on the shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate, NAS, while commiserating with the families that lost loved ones and wishing those injured speedy recovery, condemned the shooting and challenged the Federal Government and the military high command to unravel the identity of whoever issued the order for the deployment of soldiers.
It also urged the government to fish out those who participated in the shooting for them to face the full wrath of the law.
The NAS Capoon, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari in his nationwide broadcast did not make reference to Lekki shooting to empathise with victims over the tragedy.
He, however said government still has the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in ensuring justice for the innocent victims.
He also called for a high level investigation into the breach of correctional facilities adding that the ease which the violence spread across the country highlighted the ongoing demand for a full reform of the Nigeria Police into a more professional and highly trained service as well as addressing citizens’ concerns about systemic misgovernance.
He said, “We appeal to all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful and lawful. We must not allow the poison of tribal discord to be injected into the demands for greater accountability, not just in the police, but across the entire apparatus of government from the Federal to the Local Governments.
“Without a doubt, if an improved Nigeria Police Force, as well as better governance is achieved in this struggle, it will be for the good and benefit of all Nigerians without exception.”
