MEDIA RELEASE
The #EndSARS Protests: Speak Now, Mr President
Nigeria Union of Journalists is alarmed by the continued silence of President Muhammadu Buhari over the #EndSARS protests that have engulfed the country.
Nigerians, mainly the youth are protesting against Police brutality that had characterised the operations of the dreaded Special Anti-Rubbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police.
The disbanded SARS was legendary in its abuse of human rights.
Although the Inspector General of Police quickly disbanded SARS and substituted it with the Special Weapons Attack Team (SWAT), the protesters were not impressed. To them, the haste with which SWAT was set up was a gimmick to thwart the agitation for the complete reform of the police.
We equally call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately end all acts of impunity against Journalists. Specifically we call for the unconditional release of Tom Oga Uhia, Publisher of Power Steering Magazine.
Tom Oga has been detained since last week on the orders of Minister of State for Power, Godwin Jeddy Agba, for allegedly defaming him.
Since the Police are unable to take him to court all this while, his continued detention further exposes the decay and impunity in the Police.
We agree that the proper measures in addressing the grievances of the protesters have not been taken and we suggest that the President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari should come out and address Nigerians with a clear strategy on how to tackle these grievances.
Certainly, Mr President has not lost his voice? Nigerians are waiting as the nation sits on a time bomb.
Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin Shadalafiya
National Secretary, NUJ.
October 20, 2020
