President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Ministry of Justice and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to work out modalities for the implementation of the report of the presidential panel on the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), within three months.
He gave the directive Monday while receiving the 2,804 page-report from the panel headed by Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, at the State House in Abuja.
The report, which is in four volumes, had among other things recommended the dismissal of 37 police officers from the force and the prosecution of 24 officers.
The panel also directed the IGP to unravel the identity of 22 officers involved in the violation of human rights of innocent citizens while the police was directed to pay compensation of various sums in 45 complaints and tender public apologies in five complaints, and to obey court orders in five matters.
The panel recommended the establishment of state and local government police and the renaming of SARS to Anti-Robbery Section (ARS) which was its original name, and to make the section operate under the intelligence arm of the Police.
Responding, President Buhari said, ‘‘I am very happy with the work of the panel and thank the panel members for working hard towards the realisation of the presidential directive.
‘‘I believe that the report of the panel and recommendations contained therein would go a long way in redressing the grievances of the complainants, ensure accountability on the part of the police officers in discharging their responsibilities and facilitate the various police reforms being introduced by this administration.
‘‘I want to assure you and all Nigerians that this administration will continue to fulfill its obligations of promoting and protecting human rights of Nigerians, and will give the National Human Rights Commission all the support required to ensure full implementation of the recommendations contained in its report.
‘‘In addition, we will strengthen the operations of the commission to enhance its effectiveness and capability to resolve cases of human rights violations.
‘‘This administration is conscious of the role the commission plays in ensuring security and stability in the nation through the resolution of complaints of human rights violations, which if neglected, could result into major security challenges.
‘‘As you are aware, I have recently approved the reconstitution of the governing council of the commission. The names of the council members will be submitted to the National Assembly for confirmation before the inauguration of the council in line with NHRC Act, 1995 (as amended).
‘‘I want to thank the panel once more, and hereby direct that since the recommendations of the commission that constituted the panel are enforceable as decisions of the court, that the Inspector General of Police and the Solicitor General of the Federation/Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice meet with the commission to work out the modalities for the implementation of the report within three months from today.’’
Presidency cautions
And in a related development, the Presidency has said President Buhari has not ordered the creation of state police.
The clarification followed some media reports that Buhari, upon receiving the NHRC report, directed the establishment of state and local police.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu said Buhari’s specific directive was that a three-man panel be set up to produce the white paper.
“The report of the white paper committee will form the basis of the decisions of the government on the many recommendations, including the setting up of state and local government police made by the Ojukwu panel.
“Until a white paper is produced, it will be premature and pre-emptive to suggest that the recommendations contained in the report have been approved by the president in part or whole,” Shehu said.
…It’s hallmark of responsive leadership – Oyintiloye
Meanwhile, a lawmaker in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has described the federal government’s position on state and local governments’ police as hallmark of responsive leadership.
Oyintiloye, had, in February, called for kick-starting of a process that would fast track the formation of state police.
The lawmaker, who at that time said the level of aggression, tension, banditry, kidnapping and all forms of anti-social behaviour in the country called for reformatting of the security apparatus, expressed delight President Buhari yielded to the clamour which he further described as a welcome development. The lawmaker, who is also chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, said the steps would unbundle the present structure which was overwhelming and burdensome to the operators.
While calling for strict guidelines in its operation, the lawmaker emphasised the need to ensure the recruitment process passed through a rigorous community endorsement based on character, physical and mental fitness.