In a swift response to the rising #ENDSARS protests in some parts of Nigeria, the National Economic Council (NEC) Thursday directed the immediate establishment of state-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or extra-judicial killings.
This, it said, was with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.
Despite the disbandment of SARS and assurances by President Muhammadu Buhari among others, the protesters still forged ahead, asking that culprits must immediately be brought to justice.
NEC directs
But rising from its monthly meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, the NEC directed governors and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take charge of the interface and contact with protesters in their respective domains.
The council said the judicial panels should be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge with two representatives of civil society groups, one retired police officer of high repute, one youth representative, one student representative, one representative of the State Attorney-General and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission.
The terms of reference for the panel include receiving and investigating complaints of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
The council said the panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six months unless it shows convincing reasons why the governor of the state should allow an extension.
It also directed governors to immediately establish a state-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by them to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the state.
The council said establishment of the rights committee in all the 36 states of the federation and the FCT would ensure police formations and other security agencies in the state consistently protect the human rights of citizens.
They said members of the special committee would also include representatives of youth and civil society organisations, stressing that the head of police tactical units in each of the state would also be a member of the committee.
Similarly, the NEC called for the constitution of a Human Rights Public Complaints Team of between two to three persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis to be established by the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights.
The council also directed that that each state government should set up such a complaints office to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.
The council said officers of the complaints office would liaise with the leadership of security agencies, attempt resolution of complaints or otherwise guide the complainants.
The council also directed all governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.
COVID-19
NEC also received report on Nigeria’s COVID-19 response from the Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, which indicated a decline in 18 states and improved testing in 19 others in September compared to August.
The NCDC boss also listed priority intervention areas as strengthening States’ Health Security Architecture such as strong state epidemiology team, functional EOC, functional molecular lab, defined treatment centre, response vehicles, communication equipment and resources to deploy, and the establishment and sustenance of sample collection sites.
Also, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning reported to council the balances as of October 14, 2020 thus: Excess Crude Account – $72,409,346.76; Stabilization Account – N47, 193,630,556.96; and Development of Natural Resources Account – N154, 330,148,020.34.
The council also received a presentation from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment titled, Strategy for Growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMES) and Job Creation.
The objective of the presentation is to bring NEC up to speed on the ministry’s Term Goals and Projects and seek NEC’S support in the resolution of key challenges to achieving our goals.
The council was invited to establish land banks in each state earmarked for investment in agriculture and agro-processing; ensure fair compensation for land, standardize and ensure clarity in compensation rates in each state; adapt the 2015 approved list of taxes and levies; set up and investment promotion agency/one stop shop for investment-related issues including facilitating investment linkages; and MSME Council should be set up in each state to build a database of the residents MSMES which to be used to facilitate the integration of local MSMEs into the supply chains of large resident corporate.
Rising agitation
Notwithstanding the NEC’s intervention, the agitation for improved security network across the country grew in leaps and bounds as #EndInsecurityNow protesters in the northern region stormed Kano city for an end to the myriad of security challenges plaguing the part of the country.
However, the protesters, who came together under the aegis of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Kano state, came under attack by some suspected thugs who inflicted various degrees of injuries on them.
Also, while the National Assembly pleaded with the #ENDSARS protesters to halt further protest, the military hierarchy warned that it would not watch any group violently threatening the peace of the country.
Kano
There was a mild drama in Kano state as some thugs reportedly disrupted the CNG protest along Bayero University Kano road where the protesters had gathered to take off.
A member of the group, Mr. Usaini Adamu, said the thugs, brandishing dangerous weapons, invaded the gathering, at the opposite BUK old campus and started attacking the members of the CNG.
While there was no casualty during the attack, Adamu said a few of the members sustained minor injuries, adding that they were saved by the prompt intervention of security agents.
“Only a few of us sustained some minor injuries because security operatives promptly intervened and dispersed them.
“We were grouping here; suddenly these thugs descended on us and started beating us. Most of us scampered for safety while some of us resisted until security agents arrived and dispersed them.
“Now the security agents have given us a cover to read our press statement and leave,” said Adamu.
In the press statement, obtained by Blueprint and signed by the CNG’s spokesman, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group said the protest, which was spread across the north western region of the country, was to show concern over deteriorating national security and other pressing issues.
The group said it decided to stage the protest to express concern around the dwindling economy, prohibitive commodity prices, rising inflation amidst mounting poverty and prolonged stay at home by university students.
They also expressed sadness about how northern leaders and politicians had neglected the region and its population, while the southern leaders helped their people in time of need.
“That while the southern elected and appointed leaders and representatives are quick to identify with their people at the time of need, their counterparts from the North, including the President, the Senate President, Senators, Rep members, governors, state legislators and other government appointees would rather abandon the hundreds of thousands of people in northern communities exposed to crime, lawlessness and insecurity in the hands of bandits, insurgents, kidnappers, rapists rustlers, and other violent criminals without any form of protection.
“That it is contradictory that despite several protests and pleas by northerners, the authorities never deemed it fit to extend the swift spirit deployed against FSARS into securing the North, or addressing the myriad distresses faced by northerners.
“That the authorities appear bent on sustaining the harsh, unacceptable regime of exploitative hikes in electricity tariffs for which the North shall bear the brunt more than other parts of the country. That the federal government appears not keen on resolving the lingering dispute with the Academic Staff Union to enable the recommencement of university education,” said CNG.
While calling on all its northern chapters to embark on the protests, CNG also called on the federal government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security and take practical steps to end all manifestations of insecurity in northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
It said: “We demand thorough reorientation of the entire police force and its empowerment by way of additional personnel, modern training and adequate equipment to be able to reclaim its universal internal security function.
“We would mount pressure on leaders to show real commitment to protecting lives of citizens, ending the prolonged closure of our universities, reconsidering hiked commodity prices, reducing youth unemployment, and checking the rise in poverty level.
“We publicly condemn and pass a vote no confidence on those office holders and elected leaders who have abandoned the bulk of northerners to the mercy of a vicious insurgency, destructive banditry, rape and sexual assaults, violent communal clashes amidst mounting poverty and entrenched fear of widespread kidnappings for ransom.
“We call on the federal government o declare the agreement reached by labour with the government on new electricity tariff unacceptable and demand the immediate, unconditional reversal to the old rates.”
While welcoming the creation of the Special Weapons and Training Tactics(SWAT) in place SARS, the CNG also called for expeditious action on professional training, retraining, welfare and equipment for police personnel.
Confirming the development, spokesperson of Kano state Police Command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna said the incident was reported to the police, and that investigations to reveal the identity of persons behind the attack had commenced.
Kaduna
Also, the #ENDINSECURITYNOW protesters Thursday stormed Kaduna State House of Assembly complex, demanding immediate end to banditry, terrorism and kidnappings in Northern Nigeria.
The protesters who stormed the streets of Kaduna, the state capital around 9:30am marched from Waff Road through Ali Akilu road to the state assembly.
The CNG protesters carried placards and banners with various inscriptions like; ‘The North is Bleeding’, ‘Stop the Killings in the North’, ‘End Boko Haram Now’, ‘End Banditry Now’, ‘Empower SWAT to End Insecurity’, ‘All Lives Matter’ and ‘Stop Rape Now’ among others.
The assembly complex was however barricaded by armed security men who prevented the youths from gaining access to the complex, following which they resorted to sitting down at its entrance.
Further to this, the protesters later sat on the road passing through the front of assembly, preventing traffic flow.
They vowed not to leave until Speaker Yusuf Zailani gave them audience.
On their mission, leader of the group, Mr. Sa’ad Bako said, though they were against the reported harassment of citizens by the operatives of the disbanded SARS, he however said, the North’s problem was not SARS but insecurity, hence the #ENDINSECURITYNOW.
SWAT ill-timed-NGF
But governors of the 36 states of the federation under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have said the scrapping of the SARS was ill-timed and not a solution to the problems associated with the special police unit.
The governors made the position known at the end of meeting which ended late Wednesday, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu in attendance.
In a communiqué by the NGF Chairman and Ekiti state Governor Kayode Fayemi, the governors said notwithstanding the excesses of the unit, SARS personnel had greatly assisted in containing the increasing spate of kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and other crimes across the country, especially in the North.
He said: “Governors were unanimous in their support for the IGP and endorsed his plan to carry out far-reaching reforms geared towards greater effectiveness, accountability and transparency; Members called for increased regularity in the meetings of the Nigeria Police Council in order for it to effectively carry out its regulatory and supervisory roles as contained in the Nigerian Constitution;
“On the IGP’s plan to create SWAT, Governors stated that even though the effort might be necessary and in good faith, they argued that the timing is inauspicious as the mood of the nation negates it and may understandably be misinterpreted as a surreptitious move to dress FSARS in another garb;
“Governors agreed that there was need for greater consultation with the public before any decision is taken; Governors advised the IGP to immediately convene a meeting of all stakeholders and agree on a format of engagement with all State officials in order to address concerns; and that State leadership should meet simultaneously nationwide, to address matters arising;
“Governors emphasized that reforms must include the training and retraining of operatives on the rules of engagement with the general public; Policing in Nigeria must ensure freedom for all Nigerians to carry out their lawful and legitimate businesses anywhere in the country without fear of harassment, intimidation or molestation;
“Governors advised that throughout the reform process, the room for consultation may include sessions and direct feedback from the public, stressing that there is no single solution that applies to all the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory;
“Governors were unequivocal that all police officers who participated in the abuse or actions that might have led to injury or the death of innocent citizens must be fished out and brought to book while other Nigerians who have been adversely affected by police brutality or other actions that were injurious to them or their loved ones, should be compensated;
“Each state is to set up a panel for compensation to all victims and see to it that the necessary compensation is made to those who deserve them. This must be systematically done to ensure that nobody who deserves to be compensated, is left out;
“The Forum directed its Secretariat to work with the police authority to develop a framework for setting up a panel of enquiry across all States to determine claims and compensation; Governors are aware that some States have already started engaging protesters and urged all States that have not commenced same to invite all stakeholders in the matter to resolve these issues;
“Members also recommended that the IGP, the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Council should immediately review the Remuneration and Emoluments of police officers and explore ways to fund this in order to incentivize and motivate police officers who have pledged themselves in service of the country;
“Governors enjoined the IGP to be ready to forge stronger partnerships with State governments and the civil society to improve civil relations between the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Public;
“Members also agreed that the concerns of the public went beyond a need for Police/FSARS reforms and included a demand for better governance; They noted the need to engage, consult the public and take decisions that address the underpinning issues leading to the protests; Members noted that some States had already started the process of engaging protesters and urged all States to engage all stakeholders for a collectively agreed resolution.”
The governors also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for acknowledging that the protests and demonstrations by the youth reflected genuine concerns of many Nigerians, and called for a speedy implementation of all the agreed points.
Northern govs seek return
However, the governors of the 19 northern states have rejected the total disbandment of the SARS, saying the police unit was useful in the fight against insecurity in the region.
Chairman Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Plateau state Governor Simon Bako Lalong said this Thursday while fielding questions from State House correspondents after a meeting with President Buhari in Abuja.
He said even though the president had already approved the scrapping of SARS, the northern states took exception to the decision.
Lalong said: “We had a meeting yesterday (Wednesday), the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). I’m sure my chairman addressed the press. When we see issues like this, because most of the complaints vary from one state to the other, in one aspect, some people said they don’t want SARS, some said they want SARS but a reformed SARS. They want a reformed SARS because as far as they are concerned, some of these SARS operatives help them in addressing insecurity. If there are bad ones under, holistically, bring them together and reform them. Then, you work for them.”
“So, our opinion and conclusion at that stage was that let us not just say that we are throwing away the baby with bath water. If there are good ones, you don’t chase them away. So, as SARS is banned, we are now looking forward to…because most of the States in the north said no. They want SARS because SARS helps them.
“Borno said without SARS, they would not have been surviving today. Niger also wants SARS. So, if you are addressing this issue of SARS, you need to know what is wrong in some places. Is it the process of recruitment? Is it the character of the people? You can’t say because somebody is wrong, everybody is wrong in the country.
“These are some of the issues we concluded yesterday. And It’s for the Chairman to go and meet Mr. President to still look at this issue holistically and critically so that we understand where we are going.
“On a whole, we all agreed that there must be general reform within the police. But you can’t do general reform without proper funding. You must address the issue of proper funding so that they don’t say government is responsible for lack of funding and we attack them for non-performance of their duties.
“I’m sure our Chairman will meet Mr President. We all went back that everybody should go back and address the issue in his State. Because in some of the States, you find that people moving people to do protest are people from other States.
“But in real sense, some of the things are not even happening in our State or they are very minimal. If there are complaints that people are coming outside, let’s not begin to generalize it or we will miss the point. Let’s address it and find out if in those environments, things are happening like this, we must go back. It’s just like we are addressing Coronavirus. When we say coronavirus is everywhere. At the end of the day, we said no. In some places, Coronavirus is not there. We generalise.”
Senate appeals
In a related development, the Senate Thursday appealed to the aggrieved protesters to tread softly and leave the streets.
The protesters were also at the National Assembly Thursday in continuation of their protest.
Briefing the Senate leadership on what the protesters said Wednesday when they first stormed the National Assembly , Senate Leader Abdullahi Yahaya said the protesters admitted that SARS had been disbanded but they still remained on the streets for total overhauling of the entire Police Force .
He said they were at the National Assembly to report the stage-managed attacks unleash on them allegedly by police-sponsored hoodlums in Abuja on Wednesday.
“The protesters said such attacks will not deter them in any way from exercising their fundamental rights on peaceful public protests,” he said.
In his response, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, said though Nigerians are free as provided by law to make peaceful protest against anything considered to be detrimental to their welfare and security, but when demands tabled were being addressed by the appropriate authorities, the protests should be suspended.
“As it is now, SARS has been disbanded and even the five other demands tabled are being addressed as declared by no less a person than the President of the country, Muhamnadu Buhari.
“With agitations made and positive responses given by the appropriate authorities, it is time for the aggrieved to leave the streets by giving government the required chance of coming up with what they are demanding for,” he said.
Lawan assured that the National Assembly would prevail and ensure expeditious implementation of the legitimate demands by the protesters.
“We took a motion sponsored by Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the challenges that we face, especially with respect to the SARS activities across the country and, of course, we took far reaching resolutions.
“Nigerians, let me say, have the right to peaceful demonstration. When they feel very strongly about issues, they can do so to call the attention of the leaders of this country for appropriate action to be taken.
“I believe that the government has responded, SARS has been disbanded and all the five demands of the protesters have been accepted.
“What I’ll urge here is if such demands have been accepted, then we should expedite taking action to actualise them.
“I believe that when protesters demands are met, their goal should have been achieved. Therefore, there is need for our compatriots to go back home and give government the chance to quickly and expeditiously implement those demands.
“Both chambers of the National Assembly have identified with the protests that they are legitimate protests and demands.
“I think the next vital step is for the protests to stop because the initial reasons for the protests have been accepted as facts and government is trying to do everything possible”, he said.
Military warns
Amidst all this, theDefence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned that the military would not allow any attempt by individual or group to undermine the nation’s democracy.
It, however, assured citizens of their safety and urged them to go about their normal activities without fear of intimidation or harassment.
This was contained in a statement Thursday by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major-General John Enenche.
In the statement, Enenche said, the military, alongside other security agencies had observed “with dismay” some violence-related protests across the country; particularly the increasing number of attacks on peaceful protesters by thugs and miscreants.
“This unfolding event against peace loving Nigerians will not be condoned. Hence, thugs and miscreants are hereby warned to desist from engaging in violent activities against peaceful Nigerians henceforth, or face appropriate measures,” the statement said.
“Thus, the Military High Command duly encourages peaceful citizens to go about their normal activities without fear of intimidation or harassment as the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are on ground for their safety.
“In clear terms, any attempt to undermine the democracy of our beloved nation under any cover will not be allowed. For emphasis, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains subordinated to the civil authorities of the country with unflinching loyalty to the President Commander in Chief.
“The Military High Command wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security, and the defence of democracy in Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies hereby commends all citizens particularly those who genuinely express their concerns in an organised, patriotic and civil manner.”
