In a swift reaction to the ongoing online campaign to condemn alleged atrocities by the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar said harassment of citizens by policemen has no place in a democratic society.
Atiku wrote; “The arbitrary harassment of young Nigerians by Police (who should be protecting them) has no place in a democratic society.
“The #EndSARS protest shows Nigerian youth are upset and the matter needs urgent attention.”
The influential politician said he understood the plights of citizens who have been victims of alleged SARS brutality, especially the youth who are more vulnerable to harassment because SARS personnel often see them as Internet fraudsters whenever they carry laptops in their bags on the road.
“Everyday, we encourage our young people to become entrepreneurs. Buying a laptop to earn a living shouldn’t attract harassment.
“I commend our young people for protesting these injustices peacefully online, and encourage the IG of @PoliceNG to take these complaints seriously.
“I also urge the National Assembly to look into these complaints, and address the human rights issues. Reforms are urgently needed.”
A petition was also opened online for Nigerians to sign to force the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari to scrap SARS and amend the police.
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