Archbishop Martins Calls For a Better Security Outfit to replace SARS - Says It Has Compromised its Purpose of Existence.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has called upon the Police authorities to listen to the legitimate public outcry against the excesses of the officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

He said that while the intention for setting up the special police outfit to curb incidents of armed robbery and other similar crimes was noble, the personnel have resorted to molesting the very people they are meant to protect.

According to the prelate, the recent increase in allegations of police brutality, particularly SARS operatives, against Nigerians, mostly youths across the country was not only a breach of professional conduct but also showed wickedness and lack of respect for the citizens for whose welfare they were set up.


He therefore expressed his support for the ongoing protests demanding an end to SARS as presently constituted and the emergence of a better constituted unit that is well-monitored and accountable for its actions. The officers in charge of such units must be specially trained, well-funded and equipped for such purpose. SARS at present has compromised the purpose of its existence.


In a release signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins reiterated the need for a total overhaul of the present structure of Police Force in the country and the reorientation of the personnel to make them more efficient and accountable for their actions.

He also advised that the process of recruiting officers and men of the Force should be re-evaluated to attract more graduates of sound mind and body who must be exposed to international standards of training. He emphasised the need for adequate funding of police operations and an enhanced remuneration package for all policemen across board.

Hear him: “In recent times, we have received several reports and seen many online videos alleging that some personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, especially SARS operatives, have been involved in various acts of brutality and extortion against innocent citizens of this great country. It is sad that a good fraction of the very persons who are constitutionally empowered to provide security and ensure peace and order have now turned against the very people they are meant to protect. We have also received reports of how some SARS officials are accused of executing victims in extrajudicial manner. To say the least, this is incredibly sad and troubling. The only way of assuaging the anger in the land now is to ensure that the guilty ones are brought to face the law and justice seen to have been done. Such heinous crimes must not be condoned or allowed to continue.

Unfortunately, we have been witnesses to the seeming inability of our police authorities to put an end to this outright siege on hapless Nigerians. We understand that there have been no less than four attempts by the topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian Police to call these special units to order without success.

One wonders why this is the case. Inability to bring them under control give room for people to insinuate that the top echelons are themselves compromised. It would be sad if this is found to be true.

We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Police Service Commission and the Inspector General of Police to commence a thorough and realistic review of the entire structure of the Police Force in order to restore its integrity. It would not be fair to the hardworking and thoroughbred professionals among the officers whose integrity have been put on the line unless a permanent halt is brought to the rot that has been festering in the system over the years.

While affirming the right of Nigerians to peacefully protest against the excesses they experience, calling for an end to the brutality associated with officials of SARS and other arms of the law enforcement agencies, the Archbishop warned that failure of the leadership of the country to take appropriate action this time, is bound to exacerbate the worsening state of insecurity across the country.

Signed:
Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu,
Director.

source:
https://www.facebook.com/460913837325405/posts/3397422293674530/

Thanks

Is only in Nigeria that we have a police unit that detects criminals by looking at the type of mobile phone you use.

Noted

XXXXTENTACION:
Is only in Nigeria that we have a police unit that detects criminals by looking at the type of mobile phone you use.

Naija police really daft. If I b criminal, I no go even wear those dreads or torn jeans

One day @ cms, I stood there, well dressed with a laptop bag, & they just stopped by & arrested a guy beside me who dressed like someone going to drop his CV somewhere, holding a brown envelope, flying his shirt, with sandals. . I come dey wonder weda I no fit b criminal too

Nigerian police are so shameless, nothing touches them except death, that is why I will continue to say #kill SARS before they kill you#

Noted.
God one

Bishop not just SARS is our problem. Government is the Problem. Let's start from the top. #ENDAPC

End anything

Okay

Alfa and Imams are so mute on this movement

NaijaRoyalty:
Alfa and Imams are so mute on this movement

If you notice that SARS does not operate in the North

SARS only has its supporters in the North

SARS we can see is a northern tool of opression

So you dont expect the Alfa and Imams to speak against what is helping them control the South

Good

Good, lets keep speaking up against evil.

Finally!!!

Thanks, sir.

NaijaRoyalty:
Alfa and Imams are so mute on this movement

Ode

This End sars protest is a political movement sponsored by the agents of division because they want power by all means want to throw this country into anarchy. There are other pressing issues people.
#SAYNOTOANARCHY#

Ok

God bless the archbishop. This should be one of the duties of the Church. Call out the ills of the society. So much injustice in the land. God help us.

If anyone is giving excuses on basis of insecurity if they end sars then tell the government to fix the youths with great opportunities, jobs, health care, free education and see how crime rates will reduce..stop the killings and extortion in the name of fighting crime, go to the real criminals and stop killing innocent people..charge them to court if found with evidence, don't kill and extort..it's a thing of fear for every parent to see their children go out any day and be scared if they will return back safely.. whichever way let's end this rubbish, youths are the owners of this country, don't extort them, don't kill them..if u as a police is not well paid, take it to the government not the youths, even the youths sef no dey enjoy the government..happy Sunday people, let voice be heard

This one don fall my hand

csn01:
Bishop not just SARS is our problem. Government is the Problem. Let's start from the top. #ENDAPC

and bring in their counterpart PDP right

God bless you Holy Father

EXQUISITE, EXPECTING OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT

Osedagal:
This End sars protest is a political movement sponsored by the agents of division because they want power by all means want to throw this country into anarchy. There are other pressing issues people.
#SAYNOTOANARCHY#

You have drink ogogoro early dis morning again abi