By Ignatius Ushie
Worried by the increasing spate of violence in the country as a result of the #ENDSARS protesters, the federal government has reassured the International Community that it is doing all it takes to protect lives and properties of its citizens and that the protests, seemingly hijacked by hoodlums in some areas, some people with ulterior motives aimed at desterilizing the government will not succeed.
At a Media/Diplomatic briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyema led other Cabinet members to state the fact sheet and Federal government response to the demands of the #ENDSARS protesters.
Oyeama said so far, the Federal government, in compliance with the demands of the protesters, has released all those arrested and detained, and has also since 11th of October dissolved the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) adding that in line with the new police Act, psychological evaluation and retraining of all disbanded SARS officers will be carried out before they can be redeployed.
According to the Minister, “the government has established a special Committee on security and Human Rights of a Human Rights Public Complaints Team between 2 to 3 persons to receive complaints on an on-going basis. That team, Onyeama said, would be established by the Special Committee on security and Human Rights.
“The National Economic Council NEC has directed among others, the establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country, of which many states have complied, to receive, investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra Judicial killings, with a view to delivering Justice to all victims and financial compensations paid where necessary.
“The panel is to be headed by a respected retired State High Court Judge, with youths representation. I can assure you that the government is not sleeping on the matter.”
In their various remarks, the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed noted that, though the protest has been hijacked, the government will remain responsible, hence it’s their duty to protect all citizens.
Senator. Hadi Serika, Minister of Aviation noted with dismay, that even with what the government is doing to see the youths are self sufficient, some people are bent on destabilizing the programs.
The Minister of States Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Subairu Dada advised the youths to shield their sword and remain calm hence the government is working on meeting their demands.
Present at the Briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Anthonia Akpabio Ekpa. PhD, diplomats and directors in the Ministry.
