The Nigerian Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has apologized on behalf of the Federal Government for keeping silent over the extra-judicial killings by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Operative.
The vice president tendered the apology on Friday while admitting that the government has not done enough to stop police brutality taking place across the country.
The apology is coming following a candle light sessions held for the victims of SARS/Police brutality in several cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
Osinbajo in a thread of tweet, via his verified twitter handle, admitted that the feelings of hanger and frustration being displayed by the youths are justified.
The Professor of Law said several meetings had been held with government officials and actions were being taking, which included the disbandment of SARS, compensation for the injustice suffered in the hands of the errant officers.
He wrote, “Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.
“I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough. These feelings of frustration are justified.
“There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable. We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.
“Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.
“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.
“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.”
The Vice-President also sent condolence to the victim of Jimoh Isiaq, a protester killed on Sunday, all others who have lost their lives “at the hands of wayward police officers.”
He continued, “To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery. We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.
“We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.”
