Nigeria Union of Journalists tells Buhari to speak now on #EndSARS Protests

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address citizens on the rising protests across Nigeria.

The media body is alarmed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s  continued silence  over the #EndSARS protests that have engulfed the country.

Nigerians, mainly the youth are protesting against Police brutality. The brutality  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.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad was founded in late 1992 by former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda. SARS was formed when Colonel Rindam of the Nigerian Army was killed by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos. The unfortunate killing in September 1992, later led to the arrest of three officers.

A statement by the Union, signed by the National Secretary,  Shuaibu Usman Leman emphasized that “ Although the Inspector General of Police quickly disbanded SARS and substituted it with the Special Weapons Attack Team (SWAT), the protesters are not impressed.

To them, the haste with which SWAT was established was a gimmick to thwart the agitation for Police complete reform.

TOM OGA UHIA

“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.

“He was alleged to have defamed him. Since the Police are unable to take him to court, 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. 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, the Nigeria Union of Journalists said.