… As Reps move to compensate victims
The Nigerian Senate has ordered the Police to arrest officers who fatally shot End SARS protesters in the country.
The Red Chamber of the National Assembly made the call on Tuesday during plenary.
At least, six people have been reportedly killed and scores wounded in the nationwide protest.
Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, presented a motion on the death of a member of his constituent, Jimoh Isiaka and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi.
The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of Isiaka and other Nigerians that lost their lives to police brutality.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan during plenary, declared that the conduct of Special Anti-Robber Squad (SARS) was not acceptable.
He regretted that their actions will be noted in Nigeria’s history.
“The entire essence of the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure there is law and order and when SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest.
“The protest has yielded the desired result so far and there won’t be need to continue again when SARS has been disbanded. Those culprits who are involved in the killings should be brought to book.”
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on his part commended the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for disbanding the Unit.
Also speaking, Senator Rochas Okorocha urged the Senate to request the immediate release of all protesters arrested to allow for peace between the government and the people.
Similarly, the House of Representatives will be compensating the families of Nigerians who died while protesting against police brutality.
Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday disclosed this at the commencement of plenary session.
Gbajabiamila in his address stated that the House is committed to reform of the police. He added that as part of the process, the leadership of the House will meet with leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other Civil Society Organizations.
“Protest by our constituents on SARS and police brutality has been loud and clear. The government has listened, the IGP and the President have spoken. We will hopefully get the names of those who lost their lives, and during the budget defence, we will make adequate provisions to compensate the families of those who have lost their lives.
“As part of our resolution last week, that within 30 days, we will commence reform of the police, the leadership of the House will meet with NBA and other civil society organizations.”
Meanwhile, Gbajabiamila has also directed chairmen of the committees to inform representatives of the Executives not to come to the National Assembly with security operatives when coming for budget defence. He stated that no arms will be permitted at the National Assembly.
