Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has tendered an apology to Nigerians, admitting that the their administration could have “moved faster” in addressing the demands of #EndSARS protesters.

This is in the light of Friday night’s candlelight sessions held by thousands of protesters across the country for victims of SARS/police brutality. Taking to Twitter, Osinbajo admitted that the feelings of anger and frustration by the youth were justified.

He said several meetings had been held with government officials and actions were being taken, including the disbanding of SARS, to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry. I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough. These feelings of frustration are justified,” he wrote.

I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough.
These feelings of frustration are justified.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

According to him, “There are far too many people who have been brutalized at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable.

“We must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.” He also believes the protests rocking the country goes beyond agitations about the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

“They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions, and training,” he explained.

According to the former University of Lagos lecturer, meetings have been held with several stakeholders in the country with a view to addressing the demands of the youths who are championing the protests.

Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about. Transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing,” the Vice President noted. “I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.”

While reiterating the disbandment of SARS, he assured that officers from the unit will not be part of any tactical squad.

With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

Osinbajo equally commiserated with the “families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.

“We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.”

We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

@MBuhari@DrAhmadLawan

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) October 16, 2020

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