#EndSARS Memorial: NANS kicks against states yet to set up panel on police brutality, killings

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has frowned at state governments that are yet to set up a panel of inquiry on the alleged police brutality and killings one year after the #EndSARS protest in some parts of the country.

NANS President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, on Wednesday described the attitude of state governors as undemocratic and called on the affected states to as a matter of urgency yield to this call by constituting the panel immediately in compliance with the directive of the Federal Government.

He said: “In as much we expressed our total displeasure over the hijack of the otherwise peaceful procession on later days of the struggle, it is worthy of note that it remained the loudest action young Nigerians ever taken against constituted authority in demand for what is common to the safety of lives of all young Nigerians.

“#EndSARS Protest will remain in the history of our dear nation as a special event with multiple meanings to numerous people both in and outside the power.

“NANS is highly disturbed that some States are yet to set up such Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other related matters, as directed by Federal Government 365 days after, we frown at such undemocratic act while calling on the affected states to as a matter of urgency yield to this call by constituting the Panel immediately,” he said.

Asefon in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja in commemoration of the #EndSARS protest by Nigerian youth reminded the Nigeria police force who have announced several measures including a ban on Special Anti Robbery Squad in response to the protesters demand just to end the brutality and harassment of innocent citizens that her effort seems not yielding much result as expected.

He added Nigerians both young and old still have reservations over the conduct of police officers across the federation, saying much is needed to be done to enhance ethical conduct and professional dealings of police in Nigeria to avert the resurgence of such provocative and costly mass action.

“It is also pertinent for the Police authority to end the use of live ammunition for dispersal of civil protesters under any guise,” he said.

NANS President, however, called on all Nigerian students to remain calm and stay away from any form of violent protest that could lead to disunity in our country.

“NANS enjoins teeming Nigerian youth and students across the country to understand the necessity of constructive engagement as against any violence act such as the destructive protest of any form as it cost more and have zero impact compared to constructive engagement which cost no life but also attracts many gains at most comfortable and honorable manner.

“Therefore, it remains pertinent that we shun any bad influence from all angles to set us against the system unethical,” Asefon said.