By Ovie Okpare
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Monday hailed the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) but stressed that disbandment not enough to tackle the myriad of human rights abuses confronting the Nigeria Police Force.
Okowa, who lauded Nigerian youths for their peaceful conduct that resulted in the disbandment, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for responding to the demands of Nigerians.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, Okowa advised the IGP to carrying out comprehensive reformations that will address the concerns of Nigerians about rights abuses by operatives of the Force.
He noted that the disbandment of SARS was a decisive and prompt way by the IGP in responding to the legitimate concerns of Nigerians.
According to him, the ENDSARS protest by youths across the country had become a national and international movement.
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“The Nigerian youth can take pride in the fact that they have won a major victory for the right to free movement and association without let or hindrance.
“While commending the Police for not suppressing these protests, the disbandment of SARS is a visible demonstration of how government agencies should respond to the grievances of our people and their agitations for justice and good governance in a democracy.
“Finally, let me say that the IGP should not stop at disbanding SARS. That is but one step in the multiple steps required in carrying out a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Such a reform should cover matters relating to recruitment, training and welfare of the rank and file”, the statement added.
