“Your Feelings Of Frustration Are Justified” Osinbajo Tells #EndSars Protesters

Charles Oyelesi

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has broken his silence over raging protests by youths across the country demanding better governance in the name of #EndSars.

Osinbajo who spoke on the evening of Friday, October 16, 2020 stated that ‘’ 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.’’

The Vice President also asserted in his statement ‘’ Dear Nigerians,
I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.’’

Osinbajo who confirmed that ‘’ There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable’’ went to affirm that ‘’ We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.’’

Vice President who is usually branded as the ‘’Star Boy’’ of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, however, provided insights into moves to meet the demands of the protesters and win back the trust of the youths by the Government.

The Vice President stated ‘’ 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.

Several meetings have been held with: the Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Speaker of the House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the IG of the Nigerian Police (IGP), the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commision Nigeria, and governors.

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 protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over the excesses of its officers, including allegations of extra-judicial killings which has spiraled into demands for a governance has resulted in the disbandment of the special unit by President to assuage public feelings.

The protests which appear to have no end in sight has been on for 8 days.

Osinbajo who expressed heartfelt condolences to victims of the excesses of SARS, including Jimoh Isiaq who was brutally cut down with multiple shots in the early days of the protests also disclosed that ‘’ We have proposed that each state government sets up a Victims’ Support Fund, which the Nigerian Government 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.

On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust.’’