Okowa Reacts To Scrap Of SARS, Calls For Comprehensive Police Reforms

By Daniel Dafe
Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that “the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) should be the first step of the many that are required to carry out a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian Police Force,” adding that the police needs reforms in the areas of recruitment, training and welfare of the rank and file.

Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, announced the disbandment of SARS nationwide on Sunday during a press briefing in response to the #EndSARS protests, which became a national and an international movement.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Okowa added: “This is a very welcome development,” saying: “I commend the Inspector General of Police for acting in a decisive and prompt manner in responding to the legitimate concerns of all Nigerians.”

He continued: “The Nigerian youth can take pride in the fact that they have won a major victory for the right to free movement and association.”

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Governor Okowa also commended the police for their restraint during these protests, noting that “the disbandment of SARS is a visible demonstration of how government agencies should respond to the grievances of people and their agitations for justice and good governance in a democracy.”