State Governors in Nigeria have advised the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to soft-pedal on the plan to replace the disbanded Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS with the Special Weapon and Tactics Team, SWAT.
In a communique issued at the end of the 19th teleconference meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, the states believe that though the move might be in good faith, but the timing could make it counter1productive.
The statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, says the mood of the nation may misinterpret the move as a clandestine move to dress FSARS in another attire.
The IGP had during the meeting assured the Governors that he will leverage the provisions of the new Police Act 2020 to carry out extensive reforms within the Police and seeks the support, understanding and guidance of Governors to embark on the new reforms.
Though the Governors were unanimous in their support for the IGP and endorsed his plan to carry out far-reaching reforms, members called for increased regularity in the meetings of the Nigeria Police Council in order for it to effectively carry out its regulatory and supervisory roles as contained in the Nigerian Constitution.
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The Governors agreed that there was need for greater consultation with the public before any decision is taken. The Governors were unequivocal that all police officers who participated in the abuse or actions that might have led to injury or the death of innocent citizens must be fished out and brought to book while other Nigerians who have been adversely affected by police brutality or other actions that were injurious to them or their loved ones, should be compensated.
The Forum enjoined the IGP to forge stronger partnerships with State Governments and the civil society to improve civil relations between the Nigerian Police Force and the public.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
