Igbo Journalists condemn attacks on property, wants FG, states to compensate victims of police brutality, others

Practising Igbo Journalists under the aegis of United Igbo Journalists Forum(UIJF) has condemned a series of attacks on public and private facilities in parts of the country.

The Chairman of the forum, Comrade Emeka Nze, in a press statement in Abuja called on Nigerians to live in peace with each other irrespective of ethnic and religious inclination.

Comrade Nze who expressed disappointment that the peaceful #EndSARS protest turned violent afterwards, observed that lack of accountability and meaningful developmental strides by all tiers of government was inimical to any society.

He, however,remarked that violent approach to expression of grievances was counter-productive as part of resources needed for infrastructure development will now be used to replace destroyed property.

“As members of the media, we have always advocated transparency in the day-to-day governance of the people at all levels.

“Religious leaders, leaders of socio-cultural groups and opinion moulders should continuously use this period and beyond to spread the message of peace, healing and national unity.

“The year 2020 already came with its challenges, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, which everyone is trying to overcome.

It is therefore improper for anyone in public office to hold on to what belongs to the people in the form of palliatives.

“We use this opportunity to call on all state governors, especially those in the South East, to not only set up a Judicial panel of Inquiry into all forms of police brutality in the past, but to earmark substantial amount of money in the 2021budget to help identify with victims’ families.

“On the other hand, the various Judicial Panels should ensure they live up to expectation and write their names in gold,” he said.

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