#EndSARS: Exercise restraint- Abiodun tells Police

Ogun state Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun Tuesday warned all security agencies in the state to always exercise restraint and avoid use of force in managing peaceful protests.

Abiodun also appealed to the youth and #EndSARS demonstrators in the state to be peaceful, calm and civil in their conduct and not allow the lofty idea behind the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums and self-serving people.

The governor, according to a statement made available to Blueprint by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said he identifies with the objectives of the protest against law enforcement agencies brutalising the citizens, adding that the peaceful protest is a legitimate way of showing grievances against perceived high-handedness or injustice with any system.

“The youth should allow the planned reform of the police, starting with the immediate disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other measures already announced by President Muhammadu Buhari

“Ogun state government will continue to maintain keen interest in the planned police reform and ensure that the desired and lasting changes that make will Nigeria Police a professional, people-centred, and responsive public institution that operate within the ambit of the law are achieved

“We as elected officials are elected to serve the people. We derive our mandate from their consent and are obliged to defend their rights at all times. Their welfare and security are the primary purpose we are in government.

“Besides the mandate of the electorate, I am also a father and can relate to the pain of brutality or harm being inflicted on innocent youth, particularly by public institution charged with the responsibility of protection of life and property.

“On this issue, people’s voices have been heard loud and clear all over the nation and even beyond and the government at various levels, particularly the federal government, have listened and initiated a number of steps that demonstrate commitment to fulfilling the yearnings of Nigerians.

“I therefore plead with our youth to please bring an end to the protests that sometimes lead to stampedes and accidents and allow the process of the planned reform to progress. Reform and development can only happen in an atmosphere of peace and security”, he said.

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