Osinbajo apologizes to Nigerians for silence over police brutality
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has tendered apologies to the youths over the government’s delay in addressing issues of police misconduct and brutality in the country.
The V.P on Friday via twitter, said he understood the youths, and their feelings of anger and frustrations are justified.
“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.” He wrote.
He further added that actions were been taken to compensate the people for the brutality and injustice suffered at the hands of errant police officers.
He said,“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.”
Osinbajo also sent condolences to families of victims who have lost their lives in unjust killings by police. To the injured, he wished them speedy recovery.
He added, “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.
He said the government understands that the issues to be addressed are “deep and systematic” and they go beyond the SARS.
“We’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.” he said.
