Police Reforms: What Buhari Told Sultan, Ooni, Other Traditional Rulers

President Muhammadu Buhari today hosted the members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers at the State House, Abuja.

The traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones of the country were led by the council’s co-chairmen, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

Addressing the royal fathers, the president restated his administration’s commitment to reforming the police.

In an apparent reference to the #EndSARS protests, Buhari noted that the cries of “our youth and children” have not gone unheeded.

For two weeks in October, Nigerian youths trooped in major cities across the nation to demand an end to police brutality and the infamous Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protesters also demanded an overhauling of the police force, including a significant increase in police salaries.

Restating his commitment to police reforms, Buhari told the traditional rulers that “to succeed in all of this, we would require your support and voice to help amplify the message. Your proximity to the people places you in a unique position to communicate and ensure that our response is targeted and impactful.”

Describing their “role as guardians of our traditional values and culture” as most critical, Buhari urged them not to compromise their neutrality “because this is what significantly confers on you, your moral authority and legitimacy.”

The president further said that his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, would lead senior government officials to various parts of the country “and directly engage with you as part of this process. He will be reporting back to me on your various perspectives.

“I want to once again thank you for the role you all have played to calm down our youth with wisdom and authority. By instilling hope and keeping the peace, you have rendered the country great service.