Nigerian governors, IGP meet over ongoing anti-police protests »

The Nation reports that the governors met on Wednesday, October 14 in Abuja with Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on the issue and the way forward as the protests spread to other parts of the country. According to the report, the governors have also resolved to meet with identified leaders of the #EndSARS protesters to persuade them to end the street rallies.

IGP Adamu had on Tuesday, October 13 announced government’s decision to implement the demands of the protesters, but the protests have continued.

Many say the police may have shot itself in the foot by pronouncing the disbandment of the dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS in the past (three times) after widespread outrage but allowed them back into the streets after the uproar faded.

A governor who was named was quoted as saying: “We were briefed on the operation of the disbanded SARS by the IGP. We also compared notes on the agitations of Nigerians and the modalities of SWAT operations.

“We want a sustainable police system that will earn the confidence of Nigerians without going back to the days of SARS.

“The IGP assured us that SWAT will work in the interest of Nigerians.”

“We resolved to hold a public conversation with the IGP and some of the leading lights of the #EndSARS.”

Some members of the NGF have also been speaking on the raging issue.

Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who has been the loudest amongst his colleagues in his support for the EndSARS protest said the ongoing nationwide protests are a reflection of the yearning of the people.

He stated that as youths of the nation, they had every right to organise themselves to protest against societal ills, and promised to help amplify the protest. He however urged protesters to be peaceful and orderly in their activities.

On his part, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom called for youths to be carried along in the new initiative to commence community policing nationwide. According to him, with their innate knowledge of the state, the communities and the people, the involvement of community youth will guarantee greater peace and security.