SARS disbandment only first step to police reforms —Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was only the first step in his administration’s commitment to extensive police reforms.

Buhari spoke as EndSARS protesters despite the announcement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu disbanding SARS, insisted that they would want the president to declare the same himself.

The President on Monday, spoke on the matter during the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), aimed at creating 774,000 jobs across the local government areas in the country.

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.

READ ALSO: Buhari’s decision on SARS a demonstration of good leadership —Lawan

”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.”

On the empowerment programme, the president, while restating his administration’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation, pledged that the Federal Government policies of social protection and people empowerment would continue on track, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

The President, who described P-YES as a cornerstone of his administration’s social and economic development strategies, said it was part of the overall policy of ensuring that 100 million Nigerians were lifted out of poverty in ten years.

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