[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ublishers in Delta State under the aegis of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN have said that the EndSARS protest would not have taken place had the political class done their bidding of good governance.
In a release signed by Mr Jude Obiemeyego and Mercy Akuba, Chairman and Secretary respectively, they accused the politicians of being egocentric and see political office as ‘me, myself and my family’ forgetting that they were voted into office to serve the masses. They accused the politicians of living a luxury life and with impunity. “There are lots of infrastructural decay with prices of commodities above the roof. The youths roam the streets in search of jobs that are not there.” “If they have fixed the roads, created employment, reduced insecurity, electricity tariff and fixed the rots in our educational sector,” there wouldn’t have been need for protest.
The association also lamented the gruesome murder of innocent youths at Lekki toll gate by soldiers. “How can a rational mind carry arms against people staging a peaceful protest. It was the height of rascality.”
They call on the government at the centre to setup an investigating panel to look into the killings and destruction of properties and bring the culprits to book.
The association sympathized with the affected families who lost their beloved ones in the cause of the on-going protest across the country. The association also frowned at the attack on media houses, pressmen and security personnel, noting that media houses, pressmen and security officers are carrying out their official duties of information, securing lives and properties, and should be encouraged instead of attacking them.
We appeal to the youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders, parents and guardians to preach peace for the growth and development of the country.
They also ask the government to look into the demands of the youths especially slicing the salaries and allowances of National Assembly.
His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor, Ikwele of Ibusa
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]buzor Youth Council have been commended for their immediate suspension of all nationwide #ENDSARS protests in the Ibuzor community as a mark of respect for the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his genuine interest in addressing the issue of police brutality in the state and for his youth friendly disposition.
The Ikwele of Ibusa, His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor, made the call in Ibusa on Thursday, while addressing the Grassroots Publishers online.
High Chief Okafor, who acknowledged the right of the youth to protest against police brutality, oppression, intimidation and bad leadership, noted that they had duly registered their protest in a very peaceful manner and their demands, being attended to by government.
The Ikwele of Ibusa stated that the protest had reached the stage where it was being hijacked by miscreants, making it prone to loss of lives and property, which should be avoided at all cost.
He thanked the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his commitment to quelling the protest in Delta State and for the measures so far taken to douse tension, particularly the constitution of a Panel of Inquiry to investigate alleged cases of police brutality and extra – judicial killings in the state, as well as the setting up of a Fund to pay compensation and other reliefs to victims of police brutality.
The Ikwele of Ibusa added that the imposition ofl curfew by government was a sure way to stem the tide of protests, describing the move as commendable.
High Chief Okafor urged the youths to suspend all #ENDSARS protests in Ibusa. Commended the President General of the Ibuzor Youth Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Asiodu and his Executives for the immediate suspension of all #ENDSARS protests in Ibusa and the maturity of the Youths Council in handling the situation.
The Ikwele of Ibusa also thanked the people of Ibusa for their peaceful disposition and urged them to exercise restraint in the current situation ravaging the country.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the 48 – hour curfew imposed by the Delta State Governnent to contain the #ENDSARS protest, which has degenerated to burning of public facilities fully takes effect today, the streets of Asaba are virtually empty and calm, with fierce looking security personnel manning strategic locations in the capital city
Our reporter, who went round the town to monitor enforcement, confirmed that military personnel were at Koka junction, Summit junction, Inter – Bau roundabout, among other places known to have been rallying points for the rampaging youths.
The streets were empty and there was no gathering of any sort anywhere as residents stayed in their homes in compliance with the curfew.
All markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, pharmacies and other business outlets were closed to customers, while all banks’ ATMs were blank, having been switched off, thereby boosting business for the few POS operators that opened shops.
Petrol filling stations in the capital city did not open for business at the time of filing this report, and it was not clear whether the situation would improve as the day progresses.
Some respondents who spoke to gallantreporters commended the state government for imposing the curfew, saying it had helped to restore normalcy to the hitherto tension soaked state capital.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have appealed to youths to stop the ongoing protests against the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
They said the government was working hard to meet all their demands.
The two leaders of the National Assembly made the appeal after a meeting they had with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sunday.
The Grassroots Publishers online had earlier reported that the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the now-disbanded police unit approved the five-point demands put forward by the youths protesting against the brutality and extrajudicial killings by ex-SARS operatives.
Although the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu announced a replacement, the protesters want the police authorities to carry out psychological evaluation and re-training of all disbanded SARS officers before they are redeployed.
They demand the release of all arrested protesters, justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families. They also want increased salaries for police officers as well as the establishment of an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct.
The government and some business leaders had tried to persuade the youths to leave the streets but the protesters have insisted that until the government implements their demands, the demonstrations would continue.
Major highways across the country have been blocked thereby grounding economic activities.
SARS officers allegedly accused of killing innocent victims
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any Nigerians have taken to social media to recall the countless victims brutalised by officers of the disbanded rogue police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). There are also images of police officers who allegedly killed people they arrested.
The protesters across Lagos held a candle night for all the victims as they demanded that all the officers who are alleged to have had a hand in their death and brutality should be brought to book. the candle night was attended by an unprecendented crowd of protesters.
On Saturday, many online protesters were posting pictures of officers that they alleged hand a hand in the death of one victim or the other with the hashtag #ArrestKillerOfficers .
“Dear @ekitistategov , Have you #ArrestKillerOfficers that killed two of my brothers in Ekiti when the wife of @kfayemi visited FuOye. We need answers as we would be taking the PROTEST to the Governor office till we get answers and justice,” tweeted Tosin Olugbenga, a software blockchain engineer.
This is coming after the Presidential panel set up to recommend reforms for SARS submitted its report to the Police Service Commission (PSC). In the report, the panel recommended the dismissal of 37 former SARS officers and the prosecution of 24 others for professional misconduct.
“Some families will never see their sons and Daughters again, A single Police officer had killed over 100 people and drowned their bodies and you’re there not still bothered about this protest,” a protester named @EbireFameMusik tweeted.
One officer whose name kept showing up in several tweets is an Assistant Supritendent of Police (ASP) called James Nwafor. The officer who was a former member of the dreaded SARS unit allegedly was complicit in the deaths of many detainees of the squad in Anambra. He was later recruited as the Chief Security Officer to Governor Willie Obiano.
“Governor Obiano rewarded a mass murderer & made him SSA to his government. ASP James Nwafor has been the monster behind the disappearances and the extra-judicial killings in Akwuzu SARS. We demand he’s brought to justice. Justice for Chijioke Adams and many others,” tweeted Victor Ejikeme.
Nwafor was said to be so notorious that he named himself ‘Obata Obie’ and he reportedly took it literally to the extent that once he steps into a situation, life ends.
The officer was later sacked on Saturday by Governor Obiano who also promised to have him prosecuted.
The question on many protesters lips is “When will these men pay for what they have done?”
Officer James Nwafor is accused of leading a notorious SARS unit in Awkuzu Anambra that killed many victims
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his is going to be unusually lengthy for my piece but, it is necessary to enable a comprehensive understanding of the modus operandi of Awkuzu Sars under Csp James Nwafor. I will try as much as possible to narrow it down to the essential points.
My coming in contact with the outfit started on August 1st 2013, when my Upper class hotel was demolished. One the very date, I drove into my hotel from my residence at around 7.30 in the morning. Minutes after that, a truck load of Police men arrived and surrendered my hotel. It did not take long before the crowd started gathering outside of the hotel as I looked through my office window.
It took sometime before some of the police officers walked into my office with Dr Justin Nwankwo. My other hotel staff has already been beaten to a pulp down stairs. I introduced myself and they said that they wanted to search the whole of the hotel premises and I said no problem.
We started from the last floor of the hotel, room after room and most of the rooms were occupied by guests that are mostly traders from Cameron. We finally got to the first floor but before then, one of the officers had demanded that we show them room 102.
When we got to room 102, the door was locked and I turned and asked Dr Nwankwo Justin whether a guest paid for the room the day before and he said yes. I asked about the manifest of the hotel lodging and he said that he had submitted the police copy to SCIB at the Central Police station Onitsha which every hotel is obligated to do before 7A.M. every day. I instructed him to bring our own copy which he hurriedly did and we showed it to the police. The guest gave his name as John Obi.
The officers insisted on breaking the door and I pleaded with them to wait for the guest for some time. the customers of Upper class hotel are predominantly traders from Cameron and Niger republic and that they carry a lot of cash with them. That has been the case since 1974 the hotel was built because of its nearness to main market Onitsha.
Before I could finish, they broke the door and entered the room. We saw black polyethylene bags ( waterproof) all over the room with an open suitcase. The officers then opened the wardrobe and brought out a bag. Inside the bag was two human skulls with sand all over them and two rusted and unservicable AK47 guns.
I was promptly leg chained on both legs and Dr Justin Nwankwo was handcuffed. I was taken to the outside corridor of the hotel and made to kneel down while holding the exhibits and they took pictures. At that point, from the faces I saw amongst the crowd with axes and matchet , I then knew where the whole incident came from, hazzard of land business along with motor park duel.
By the time I was led downstairs, practically most of the police officers has all headed back to the station with the exception of the ones that accompanied me. The crowd were surging to clearly mob me. Luckily for me, I came to the office with my Q56 infinity SUV and the leg chain gave me some space to drive.
As I entered my SUV and started the Engine and pushed down the vehicle auxiliary, I turned around to the police officers and told them that I already know what happened and that if the crowd rushes at me, I will fill up the MORTUARY at the general hospital Onitsha including myself. As I surged on, one of the police officers opened the vehicle door and started firing rapidly in the air. That pretty well saved me and some of those people.
From the Area command Onitsha, we headed to Awkuzu Sars with Csp James Nwafor and his team. Dr Justin Nwankwo and the staff were packed in one vehicle while I myself, Csp James Nwafor and three other Sars officers were in another vehicle .
When we got to the present ROAD SAFETY office along the Enugu/Onitsha, before you get to Awkuzu Sars, James Nwafor turned around and said to me:
1. You will never see that hotel again.
2. He will kill me whether I am innocent or
or not and that, if I am innocent,
may my blood be on him and his
children.
When we then entered Awkuzu proper, Dr Justin Nwankwo was kept in their torture hall while I was taken behind the torture hall where James Nwafor mostly does his killing. Behind the very torture hall , I was chained to a local weight lifting device . After some period James Nwafor came back with some officers along with one other officer I latter discovered to be his deputy by name Csp Sunday Okpe.
Sunday Okpe inspected the exhibits for some time and asked me the following questions:
1. Where the exhibits recovered in my office and I said no, it was recovered in a guest room.
2. Do we have hotel manifest and I answered yes that we submitted the police copy early in the morning but that my manager has a duplicate copy.
He inspected the exhibits yet again and said that the skulls looks old and that the guns has not been in use for a long time, why all in one bag he asked while the rest looks on. As a turned to leave, he muttered; this looks like mago mago.
His observation did not stop James Nwafor. Not long after that, one of the officers came back with an already written statement and I was asked to sign. I refused saying that I am quite capable of writing my own statement.
My torture commenced immediately. I was overpowered and my shirt was removed from me. They then wrapped my neck with the shirt and then followed it will a green rope and they started pulling from both ends. Gentlemen I was gone. They then appended my thumprint on the prepared statement that substantiated the allegations against me. Meanwhile Dr Justin Nwankwo was seeing hell in the torture hall.
When I eventually regained consciousness, I found myself in their death chamber called cell 5. It is the cell that is reserved for those James Nwafor will kill. Congested and extremely dirty. Food is not allowed in the very Cell unless periodic loafs of bread which is shared in slices. One bucket of water every day for drinking.
The shock of my life happened on the second or the third day of being in the very cell 5. There is this small boy of between the age of 19 and 22, a second year Engineering student of FUTO. He calls me uncle. He told me that he is an only son of the mother and that his supremely rich uncle, based in lagos wanted to annex his own father’s portion of family land and that his father is late. His resistance against the uncle landed him at Sars as a kidnapper and armed robber.
Then, it was either in the second or third night of my staying in the condemned cell, the door of the cell opened late one night. What I saw was a touch light. Names were being called one after the other, 17 names in all including the small boy and they were ordered out and the door closed back.
It did not take more than 15 minutes, gunshots filled the air, nne moh nne moh is all I could hear. The 17 young men were slaughtered cold blood.
I lost it that night. My system just shut down.
It was either the 4th or 5th day that the door opened one morning and it was the same Sunday Okpe that called my name and told me to come out. No energy was left in me because I have not eaten real food except periodic slices of bread. He bought me something to eat along with a malt drink.
I was subsequently transferred to cell 1. After some days, I was called into James Nwafor’s office to see my wife and my lawyer professor Umenweke Nnama Meshach. I tried to get Dr. Justin Nwankwo to join me but they refused.
As time went on, I discovered that the case has hanged because there was no complainant. Even James Nwafor voiced out some frustration when he said, the hotel demolition was too fast. This is the same person that told me that I will never see the hotel again.
He became unusually friendly towards me but I knew it was a damage control .The latitude then allowed me to study what truly obtains at the AWKUZU Sars. I witnessed some of the tortures and I became aware of some their cases along with what really happens in the place.
1. I witnessed an incident when a young trading apprentice was arrested by Sars on behalf of the master over a missing 250,000 or thereabout . He broke his spinal cord and died when he was subjected to what they call HANGING TORTURE. He was written off as an armed robber.
2. I witnessed an incident during what they call verification excise or something like that. All the inmates will be brought out in the open yard and all will be seated on the ground. When your name is called, you will stand up and answer some questions. There is this boy that was called up and James Nwafor asked him; Are you from Ogidi ? before the boy could finish saying no, James shot him with a silver coloured pistol which is always with him. The boy bled to death right there.
3. I also witnessed the practice of shifting inmates in the middle of the night to Nneni for the purposes of dodging official inspection of the place. Nneni Sars annex is another abattoir. Starvation of inmates and outright shooting is the rule their. If the government undertakes the excavation of the perimeter of the Nneni anex, The Ezu river will be a joke compared to what will be discovered.
I saw other killings at the very place. Every morning, the inmates of CELL 1 will be called to carry a dead body or two behind the torture hall. Any individual that has been detained by Sars for an extended period of time will tell you exactly that.
Let me clarify an issue here. Csp James Nwafor does not release proven kidnappers or armed robbers, he kills them but, with a negotiated huge amount of money, James will at most, charge the person to court. Outright release of the person is off as far as I know.
What I also know is that, he can be bought to do a particular job, death inclusive, if the price is right.
Let me stop here but there are more details. If the government of the day is desirous of appeasing the victims of Sars, the government should offer immunity to some officers that served under James Nwafor and they will lead investigators to the exact location of corpse dump in the vicinity of Nneni. Some of the Sars victims can at least recover the body of their loved ones for burial.
THE NAME REMAINS Bonaventure CHOKWEBUNDU MOKWE AND ALSO CALLED THE CHIEF PRIEST.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has appealed to the Federal Government to fix federal roads in delta state which are in deplorable conditions. The monarchs made the plea in an eight point communique issued at the end of their meeting in Asaba.
The chairman of the council, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor 11, who was flanked by the first vice Chairman, Major General Felix Mujakpuero, (retired) Orhue 1, and 2nd vice Chairman, kalanama V111, said the call had become imperative in view of the economic contributions of Delta State to the development of the Nation.
The Council also asked the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, embark on the dredging of waterways in Delta State to facilitate the free flow of water and avert perennial flooding in parts of the stste.
The traditional rulers appealed to applicants to kingship stools to do so through the right channel, saying that the presentation of official staff of office to any deserving traditional ruler – elect and coronation should be done in the open and in the full glare of the people to restore credibility and avert friction.
The royal fathers congratulated the Federal and Delta State Governments on the successful completion and commissioning of the President Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station, Owa OyIbu in Ika north east local government area.
Disturbed by the level of destruction of major and rural roads in Delta state by heavy duty Dangote trucks, the monarchs tasked the Dangote group to, as a matter of urgency, set up State Zonal discharge points from where lighter distribution vehicles could meet the needs of rural communities.
The Delta monarchs congratulated the Delta State Government on the effective dissemination of its policies and programmes, particularly on radio but urged government to focus attention on improving facilities on the state owned television station in order to adequately showcase the great achievements of government in all its ramifications.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from across the state.
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]SP James Nwafor was accused of masterminding the disappearance (or possibly death) of hundreds of people whose where about are still unknown in Anambra.
The Commander of Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), CSP James Nwafor has been accused of killing over 100 people and dumping their dead bodies in Ezu river, a borders between Enugu and Anambra.
CSP Nwafor (now retired), the SARS Commander in Awkuzu between 2012 and early 2016, was accused of masterminding the disappearance (or possibly death) of hundreds of people whose whereabout are still unknown in Anambra State.
The situation was so serious that Amnesty International carried out two phases of investigations (in 2014 and 2016) into the activities of Awkuzu SARS and produced damning reports of torture, unlawful killings, disappearance of detainees, unlawful arrests and prolonged detentions without trial that take place at the unit.
Other atrocities linked to the Nwafor-led Awkuzu SARS include conversion of suspects’ properties to personal use and the demand and collection of outrageous sums as bail fees in exchange for freedom.
CSP Nwafor was redeployed in 2016 after a series of petitions were made against him in connection to severe human rights violations.
On the 12th of September 2016, CSP Nwafor was recalled to Awkuzu SARS but his return was met with strong opposition from human rights groups within and outside the state.
Following the strict oppositions that kept growing, Nwafor was removed from Awkuzu SARS in less than two weeks. He was reposted to the Administrative Department at the State Command Headquarters, Awka where he worked until he retired in April, 2018.
Shortly after CSP Nwafor’s retirement, it was rumoured that the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has appointed him as his Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters in 2018.
The appointment was again heavily criticized by human rights groups and civil society actors in the state who referred the state government to the many cases of severe human rights violations linked to CSP James Nwafor when he was head of SARS.
Some of the human rights groups that fought against CSP James Nwafor’s impunity are:
Amnesty International
Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)
International Human Rights and Equity Defense Foundation (I-REF)
Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO)
International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY), etc.
Amidst the nationwide #EndSARS protest, Nigerians are calling on relevant authorities to investigate CSP James Okafor who hails from Ezza North Local Government in Ebonyi State.
Nigerians have seized the opportunity to narrate their awful experiences with the 59-year-old former SARS commander and other activities of Awkuzu SARS unit.
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike the saying goes, “It is easier to pull down than to put up; easier to destroy than to build.” The current agitation by a large section of the country to dissolve the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) leave a bitter taste in the bud.
It is pertinent to buttress that Nigerians, being attuned to the vestibules of Democracy, have a right to air their views and opinions, but that should be exercised in proper way and manner, obeying the rule of law and adhering to the precepts of decorum.
The drift into violent destruction of properties (Public & Private), molestation and manhandling of Security Personnel is tantamount to a breach of peace, which could incur the wrath of the law. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) a man attuned to the yearnings and aspirations of the hoi polloi, responsively disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
It is pertinent to buttress that the IGP, a man of integrity and purpose; a man anchored in tides of greatness; the best in recent times; made the difficult decision to restore peace and tranquility in the country and to quell the mass protest inimical to the nation’s harmony.
It is quite a shame that people always forget their numerous and countless good, because of a few bad eggs. Like every thing that bothers on human nature, there must be elements of good and evil.
SARS, as integral to the Nigeria Police is made up of all manners of people, some good, some bad. So, it is disheartening that the actions of a few bad elements has led to the chant and clamour to truncate the selflessness of the countless good ones.
People are so quick to talk about the few cases of molestation and harrassment, but blind and deaf towards the countless lives the body have saved. Countless Nigerians sleep with their eyes closed because of the efficiency and efficacy of SARS in combating armed robbery and terrorism in all parts of the nation.
It is imperative to state that the chief reason why the Police is easily ridiculed and often lamblasted is because of the daily interface with members of the public unlike other security agencies and not necessarily because they are completely bad, incompetent or dishonest.
It is quite a shame that people always forget their numerous and countless good, because of a few bad eggs. Like every thing that bothers on human nature, there must be elements of good and evil.
SARS, as integral to the Nigeria Police is made up of all manners of people, some good, some bad. So, it is disheartening that the actions of a few bad elements has led to the chant and clamour to truncate the selflessness of the countless good ones.
People are so quick to talk about the few cases of molestation and harrassment, but blind and deaf towards the countless lives the body have saved. Countless Nigerians sleep with their eyes closed because of the efficiency and efficacy of SARS in combating armed robbery and terrorism in all parts of the nation.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) being a critical stakeholder in the often selfless business of crime prevention, detection and community policing, wish to emphasise that the Police is our friend. They excel outside the shores of our great land, and come out tops when provided with right technology, good working environment, good packages, welfare, etc.
Most people, especially those blinded by the loud voices of the naysayers, quickly beat on the drums of harassment on civilians but failed to talk about the countless killings of Policemen and other security agencies. Are Policemen not Nigerians too?
Many are quick to voice out their contempt for SARS operatives, but are tight lipped when heinous crimes are committed against the Men and Women in Blue.
The CP, Delta State Command, who I can attest without fear or favour, has been very outstanding, a disciplinarian who always ensure that Justice is served at all times in respective of who is involved, has lost some of his personnel on this clamour to an End to SARS, yet taking it in his strides, he continues exercise intervention with human face, even in the face of direct provocation.
Nobody is talking about the poor funding of the Police, which has negated effective and efficient Policing in the nation. Nobody is talking about lack of proper welfare packages for Police Officers, which is largely attributed to the low morale and enthusiasm in the police system.
Nobody talks about the many sacrifices made by the Police, who often use their meagre savings and salaries to combat crime and criminality in their locale when it becomes inevitable in the line of duty. Nobody talks about the endless abuse and insults meted out to the Nigeria Police in the carriage of their duties.
Nobody is talking of the inadequacies and the shortage of manpower, nobody cares about shelter and work vehicles, and sundry equipments for the police. All that resonates is the outs of many is the chant of ‘CRUCIFY THEM’, especially those standing behind the divide of justice and good ethics.
Before we jump on the bandwagon and overreach it on the #ENDSARS rant, ask yourself, ‘HAVE THE SARS OPERATIVES, DONE MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
We should preach reform, training and retraining of police until we get it right,rather than outright scraping. This set of police remain part of the police institution. If they are not disciplined and trained to be good ambassadors of the police institution, wherever you redraft them, they will still constitute the perceived social nuisance and drag the hard earned reputation of the police into the mud. Reformation is the watchword. My two kobo opinion.
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said, the ongoing nationwide #ENDSARS protests over police brutality in the country was a reflection of leadership and family failures over the years.
Okowa stated this while addressing the protesters at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, said that there wouldn’t have been the need for the protests if leaders were accountable to the people.
He told the protesters that as youths of the nation, they had every right to organise themselves to protest against societal ills.
The governor announced the constitution of a five-member Police Complaints Committee, with two representatives of the youths as members.
He commended the youths for conducting the protest peacefully and acknowledged that some of the issues raised by the protesters were germane and would be addressed.
“I want to appreciate all of you for ensuring that you are conducting a very peaceful protest; there can be nothing better than peace and that gives me a lot of feeling that our youths can be better organised.
“I am glad that you have gathered yourself nationwide to protest this injustice as regards police brutality.
“I know that through social media we are able to organise ourselves, but I can see a lot of maturity in your organisation and I must commend you for that.
“On our part as leaders we acknowledge the gap and that we have failed even as parents. In my own home, when my children spoke concerning this protest, I realised that they were as pained as you and that is the same pain that every Nigerian youth is going through,’’ Okowa said.
He added that “as leaders, this protest has also brought to the fore that we have failed ourselves.
“Your voices have been heard loud and clear; SARS has been banned but I assure you that we are not keeping quiet.
“When I commended the IGP for disbanding SARS, I did acknowledge that it was not enough; there is a need for further reform and re-orientation of the entire Police Force.
“The issues of adequate remuneration, training and discipline of the Police Force must be looked into critically in the reform process.
“It is about the reformation of the entire police and it is about ensuring that our nation is peaceful.
“We do realise that the police have a role to play in ensuring democratic governance, but they must be played in such a manner that is in favour of the civil defence.
“Unfortunately, some of them have put the name of the police in a bad light.’’
The governor pleaded with the protesters to remain peaceful and calm while governments at all levels engaged with the police authorities and other stakeholders to meet their demands.
“I plead that you organise yourselves better in the best interest of our nation, Nigeria, where youths will be able to go out without being harassed or exploited by security agencies.
“I appeal to you to counsel others to remain peaceful and be law-abiding as you go about your daily activities.
“Having made your voices heard and having made our elders realise that we have failed as leaders, please give us some time to work things out with key stakeholders,” the governor further said.
Earlier, Spokesman of the protesters, Mr Emmanuel Udezua, had said that youths across the nation were “in pains’’ over the brutality of policemen on them, and urged the governor to use his good office to prevail on all stakeholders to end the excesses of police personnel.
“On behalf of the youths of Delta, we have come to express our anger and grievances at the incessant molestation of youths by the police nationwide.
“We want a better Delta and a better Nigeria where youths can go about their normal activities without the brutality of the police.
“Stop the exploitation and the oppression of youths. Use your power everywhere you can to end this for us, sir,” he said.
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[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ublishers in Delta State under the aegis of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN have said that the EndSARS protest would not have taken place had the political class done their bidding of good governance.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the 48 – hour curfew imposed by the Delta State Governnent to contain the #ENDSARS protest, which has degenerated to burning of public facilities fully takes effect today, the streets of Asaba are virtually empty and calm, with fierce looking security personnel manning strategic locations in the capital city
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have appealed to youths to stop the ongoing protests against the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers has appealed to the Federal Government to fix federal roads in delta state which are in deplorable conditions. The monarchs made the plea in an eight point communique issued at the end of their meeting in Asaba.
[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ike the saying goes, “It is easier to pull down than to put up; easier to destroy than to build.” The current agitation by a large section of the country to dissolve the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) leave a bitter taste in the bud.
