As the #ENDSARS protest continues to rage on across states in Nigeria with unrelenting youths refusing to back down at any moment, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has tendered an apology on behalf of the Federal government to protesters and Nigerian Youths in general over what he termed the many cases of injustices they had faced in the hands of the disbanded FSARS.
In a tweet, Osibanjo says he fully understands how many young Nigerians feel coupled with the impression that the government has been too silent, a norm which he attests to as being part of the fueling factor.
According to the Vice President, “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”.
Yemi Osinbajo however assured that efforts are in full gear to normalize the unfortunate situation as several meetings have been held with various desks of concerns towards proferring a lasting solution.
He tweeted, “Several meetings have been held with: the @SPLAwan, @femigbaja, the Chief of Staff to @MuhammaduBuhari, Chairman of the @PoliceServiceC2, the IG of @PolceNG (IGP), the executive Secreatry 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”.
While expressing condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, a protester who lost his live to a police officer, Osinbajo stated that a proposal for a victim’s support fund to be set up by each state government has been triggered.
See all 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.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
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.
— 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.
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020
Keep safe. God bless you. – YO pic.twitter.com/jOYmh1i6wJ