TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari says efforts are being made to fish out rogue elements in the Nigeria police force.

The president spoke during a meeting with a delegation of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the effort is in compliance with the demands of #EndSARS protesters. For 13 days, youth under the #EndSARS campaign protested against police brutality and demanded police reform.

Buhari said the voices of youth have been heard and actions are being implemented in compliance with the demands.

He added that the police will undergo major reform in the areas of welfare, working conditions and code of conduct.

“We have heard the loud cries of our youth and children, and we are attending to their concerns,” he said.

“To succeed in all of this, we would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful.

“I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great service.

“We cannot allow anybody or group to threaten the peace or sabotage these efforts. Strong, transparent efforts are underway to address those rogue elements of the Nigerian Police Force.

“Simultaneously, the Nigerian Police Force will also undergo much needed reform that covers welfare, working conditions, and code of conduct. That will usher in a more professional workforce.”

According to the president, Ibrahim Gambari, the chief of staff, would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country and engage with traditional rulers to get their perspective of recent happenings.

He said the reports which will be made available to him will guide in taking further decisions.

The president urged traditional rulers, whom he described as guardians of our traditional values and culture, to remain neutral “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”

Buhari commended the traditional rulers for the visit and promised to study some of their recommendations and take appropriate actions.

Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, attended the meeting.