A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Musa Bagos, has expressed a different view to the initial position of his Governor, Simon Lalong of Plateau State over the lingering protests against police brutality, especially the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.
While Lalong at an earlier position expressed support for the continuous existence of the controversial squad, but later made a detour, Bagos who represents Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of the state while fielding question at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, said the governor should have listened to the people of Plateau first, before taking stand on such a sensitive matter.
“I want to report to you that my constituents in Jos South/ Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau state and I fully endorse the nationwide protests by Nigerian youths against the continuous and condemnable atrocities committed by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad popularly known as SARS,” he stated at the briefing.
He said, “I stand with my constituents in demanding justice and peace on all forms of extra-judicial killings and unlawful arrests”, adding that he was in full approval of the position of his people, and that they were also part of the protests.
“I am standing before you to register my approval of the protests by my constituents who are in full support of the action and are also part of the protest. I believe that the essence of this protest is not to destroy our beloved country and people, but to seek an end to police brutality and general reform of the security system in Nigeria, as well as voice out grievances against injustice and inequality.
“I appreciate the youths for being bold on their stand, seeking reform in our dear country.
“As we seek for true federalism that reflects the dream of our founding fathers; a Nigeria of equal opportunities; a Nigeria where citizens are free to air their concerns without molestation, Government should take the #EndSARS protest as a clarion call for a complete reform of the Police and creation of State Police in the forthcoming constitutional amendment so as to improve security across the nation.
“As a parliamentarian seeking for true federalism, I support the state police, referendum clause in our Constitution. Wards /Constituency Delineation, Local Government autonomy, federal character in appointments and many others.
“I must, however, not hesitate to advise all security personnel drafted to monitor these protest against intimidating the youth or engaging in any act against peaceful protesters, attacks on peaceful protesters in some parts of the country is condemnable and demand justice for all those who lost their lives in the hands of SARS as well as those killed in the course of the ongoing protests.”
