#ENDSARS demands consistent with President Buhari’s police reform goals – BMO

The demands of the genuine #EndSARS protesters are in congruence with President Buhari’s stated desire for an efficient and effective Police Force that can protect and serve the Nigerian people, the Buhari Media Organization (BMO) has stated.

“The genuine #EndSARS protesters who have carried on their message for days now, have the same desires for a reformed Police Force as President Buhari, and thus should see the President as an ally in this cause, and work with him.”

In a statement signed by Niyi Akinsiju, the group’s Chairman, and Cassidy Madueke, its Secretary, the group called for the protesters to shift their strategy from street demonstrations which were hurting other Nigerians to working hand-in-hand with the President to achieve the reforms he has set out for the country.

“The demands that #EndSARS movement has put forward on the table are consistent with the kinds of reforms and change President Buhari has put forward to reorganise and birth a vibrant and truly people-serving police institution. It is thus not surprising how the President swiftly responded to the demands and concerns of the protesters.

“The need for better welfare for police officers, as demanded by #EndSARS, is one of the cardinal thrusts of the Police Trust Fund Act recently signed into law by President Buhari.

“To ensure that Police officers serve our communities better, and are in fact accountable to the very people whom they protect, the government of President Buhari has approved the operational mechanisms for the commencement of Community Policing under the current Police structure.

“What the #EndSARS protesters have in fact done, is to expand the space for these reforms which have already reached various stages of implementation under the Buhari administration.

“With their requests brought forward to the table, the National Economic Council (NEC) has consequently set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry at the state levels to investigate cases of police brutality and human rights abuses. A fund has been set up for victims as well. These are laudable moves by the Buhari Administration and they deserve the support of all stakeholders.”

The group called on the #EndSARS protesters to end their street demonstrations and work with the government, especially now that the momentum is high, to achieve the ends of these reforms.

“There is no better time than now, when the attention of the world and the government is on Police Reforms, for the #EndSARS movement to work as stakeholders with the government to achieve these reforms that every Nigerian is looking forward to.

“The #EndSARS movement should see the President as a willing and listening partner with whom they share a similar interest to achieve these holistic, drastic, and long-needed reforms to the institution of the police.” The group stated.