Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has apologized to Nigerians
and admits the Federal Government could have “moved faster” in
addressing the demands of #EndSARS protesters.
“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and
understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are
sorry,” he said in a series of tweets on his handle late
Friday.
“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.”
READ ALSO: #EndSARS Protesters Hold Candlelight
Procession In Abuja
candlelight procession in honor of victims of police
brutality.
Taking Responsibility
According to him, “There are far too many people who have been
brutalized 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.”
READ ALSO: [#EndSARS] Protesters Hold
Candlelight Vigil In Lagos
He also believes the protests rocking the country goes beyond
agitations about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (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,” he explained.
Abuja.Sodiq Adelakun/Channels TV.
Ongoing Work
According to the former University of Lagos lecturer, meetings
have been held with several stakeholders in the country with a view
to addressing the demands of the youths who are championing the
protests.
“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here
to tell you that work is ongoing,” the Vice President noted. “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.”
READ ALSO: [#EndSARS] Presidential Panel
Recommends Dismissal Of 37 SARS Operatives
While reiterating the disbandment of SARS, he assured that
officers from the unit will not be part of any tactical squad.
Osinbajo equally commiserated with 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 will support. This is the least that we can do
to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant
officers.”
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
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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