TheCable

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says it will act on all the demands made by citizens protesting against harassment and brutality by the police.

For nearly two weeks, Nigerians have been on the streets across the country calling for a reformation of the police force.

The protests were initially targeted at the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) but they have continued despite the dissolution of the unit.

The protesters have vowed that they will not leave the streets until they begin to see the government implement some of their demands which include the prosecution of all police officers who have killed citizens extra-judicially.

In a communique signed by Kayode Fayemi, chairman of the forum and Ekiti governor, after an emergency meeting on Sunday, the governors raised concerns about the “shifting nature of the demands which creates uncertainty”.

The governors agreed to set up a judicial panel of enquiry in their respective states to receive complaints of brutality by officers of the now disbanded SARS.

They also called on protesters to discontinue their demonstrations “as a continuation grossly exposes the fragile economic fundamentals of the country; particularly as criminal elements and hoodlums have hijacked the protests by maiming innocent citizens, looting and destroying properties”.

“Governors thereafter resolved to; Condemn the attack on Govemor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State by armed persons while he was addressing anti-police brutality protesters in the state capital Osogbo; protesters are encouraged to engage with the government appropriately at both the national and State level to ensure that the protests are not taken over by hoodlums who are instigating a breakdown in law and order in many parts of the country,” the communique read.

“Endorse the call by demonstrators for improved governance predicated on an enforcement regime that takes into cognizance the fundamental human rights and liberties of all citizens in the country;

“Act on all the demands made by the EndSARS protesters raising some concerns with the shifting nature of the demands which creates uncertainty on the exact expectations and ultimate goal.”