Professor Ernest Ojukwu SAN has commended the directive by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo SAN to the IGP to restructure the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) but noted that there is still more to be done to ensure that SARS operatives end the harassment of Nigerians.
In his words; “The implementation of reforms at the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police by the Federal Government is good sign for good governance for the Country.”
“Credit for the attempt at reform of SARS must go to the civil societies and the citizens for the mass media advocacy and rallies that woke p the Government to set up a reform committee and now implement a reform action plan. Surely it is commendable that the Federal Government has responded in a way that shows sensitivity to our problems.”
“However this good news broke on the same day that SARS at Umuahia were busy with the detention of a citizen and his lawyer Mr PC Ugochukwu on a matter clearly outside the jurisdiction of SARS.”
“I therefore urge the Ag. President and the IG Police to do more and not to ever turn down their speed on SARS and the general police reforms.”
“It is important that we insist that the Police and other law enforcement agencies must strictly follow and apply the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. If they do and simply obey this law, the complaints against abuse of human rights and rule of law will be at the lowest level in the country.”
“The Police especially the now re-christened FSARS must be engaged in massive education and re-orientation of its personnel to serve professionally. We must insist going forward that all agents of Government especially law enforcement personnel who violate human rights must be treated as criminals under our Constitution and the law.”
