• .Protesters block Lagos airport, national stadium entrances

• Don’t doubt Buhari’s sincerity to end SARS, Sanwo-Olu, minister beg protesters

Ibe Pascal Arogorn

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday , addressed the nation for the first time amid the ongoing nationwide protests against the brutality and extrajudicial killings by men of the now -defunct Special Anti -Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

In the about two – minute broadcast uploaded on his verified Twitter handle , @ MBuhari, the President said the disbandment of the police unit was a first step to “ extensive police reforms ” .

The President said officials of the disbanded team found to be responsible for wrongful acts would be brought to justice .

Buhari also said he had ordered a probe into the killing of a young man in Oyo State during the recent protests .

He said , “ I will like to use this opportunity to say a word on the recent genuine concerns and agitations by Nigerians about the excessive use of force and in some cases extra-judicial killings and wrongful conduct of the men of the Nigerian Police Force .

“ The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reforms in order to ensure that the primary duty of the police and other law enforcement agencies remains the protection of lives and livelihood of our people.

“ We will also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct or wrongful acts are brought to justice .

“ We deeply regret the loss of life of the young man in Oyo State during the recent demonstrations .

“ I have directed that the circumstances of his death should be thoroughly investigated.

“ Meanwhile, it is important to recognise that the vast majority of men and women of the police force are hardworking and diligent in performing their duties .

“ The few bad eggs should not be allowed to tarnish the image and reputation of the force. ”

Protesters block Lagos airport, national stadium entrances

Protesters on Monday blocked the entrances of the Murtala Muhammed Airport and National Stadium Surulere in a bid to express their grievances against police brutality and extortion in the country .

During the protest, the youths blocked the Murtala Muhammed Access Plaza displaying placards with various inscriptions .
Some of the protesters marched from Computer Village via Along Bus Stop to the airport .

They caused an obstruction of movement and delayed vehicles from accessing the airport through the plaza.
It was gathered that the protest began at 10 am .

They blocked motorists trying to access the Local airport by setting up their stand at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Access Plaza, thereby causing gridlock at the roundabout .

Many intended travellers had to find alternative means of transportation.
Singing songs of solidarity, they carried placards with inscriptions such as “ iPhone no be gun” , “ SARSMUSTEND ” , “ Chibuike Amana deserves justice ” .

Several motorists, who expressed their frustration at the gridlock , said they have been stuck in the traffic for close to two hours .

A truck driver, Olaniyi Abubakar said , “ I am going to the local airport to supply cement and they are calling me. I have been stuck for an hour and I am just here trying to explain why . They have been calling me . ”

A commercial driver, Igwe Justus , added , “ The protest is in order because we are living in a democratic society . We are even supporting them . It is good. What they are doing is the right thing . ”

Don’t doubt Buhari’s sincerity to end SARS, Sanwo-Olu, minister beg protesters

Lagos State Governor , Babajide Sanwo- Olu, and Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, have urged youths protesting against police brutality and extortion in the country not to doubt the sincerity of the President Muhammadu Buhari in disbanding the Special Anti – Robbery Squad.

The governor made the appeal after his arrival from Ondo State where he was Chairman of the All Progressives Congress governorship campaign team.

The governor also appealed to the #EndSARS protesters to be peaceful .

He described the dissolution of SARS by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu , as a victory for Nigerian youths.

He said the protests showed that people have the right to express their views , adding that “ the government meant business about the disbandment of SARS . We should not doubt the government ’ s sincerity .

“ The beauty of democracy is that people have the right to protest, to air their views , to speak out when things are not going right and I have identified with them .

” This is real democracy being played out . They have the right as our youths, as our citizens to correct and say we do not want this .

” Let me commend all of our youths that have come out in Lagos . I have been monitoring on a daily basis and it has been very peaceful .
That is what we want, you can actually make your point in a peaceful and orderly manner . ”

Also , the Minister of Police Affairs in a tweet said the Buhari- led government was committed to disbanding SARS .

He tweeted , “ I urge Nigerians to see the disbandment of SARS, as government ’ s commitment to deepening relationship between Nigerians and the police, for better service delivery. Let ’ s continue to work together to secure our communities. ”