#EndSARS: We can’t afford lawlessness, says Senate President

Senate President Ahmad Lawan has directed security agencies to restore law and order with utmost restraint across the country and bring criminals unleashing terror to justice.

The past few days had witnessed violence, arson, wanton destruction of public and private property and massive looting of relief items by rampaging hoodlums in different parts of the country.

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In a statement he personally signed on Monday, Lawan called for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that the country had seen in the past few weeks with a view to bringing perpetrators to justice.

He said since the mindless carnage has distorted the purpose of the protests, the youths should join hands with the authorities in bringing an urgent cessation to the violence.

He also urged them to leave the streets, saying government has heard their voices and is addressing their grievances.

Lawan said stopping the protests was also necessary to avoid unwittingly continuing to provide covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in their midst.

“While still grappling with the havoc of COVID-19, the country can ill afford yet another epidemic that has now appeared in the form of the lawlessness that is going on,” he said.

In spite of the hijack of the EndSARS protests by hoodlums, the Senate President, however, assured that the National Assembly would ensure that government fulfills the commitment it has made to the well-meaning agitators for police reform and good governance.

“The National Assembly is fully committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the Police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.

‘I want to seize this opportunity to re-assure our youths that the National Assembly will collaborate with the Executive to ensure justice for victims of misconduct and rights abuses by personnel of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police.

“In the same vein, to discourage impunity, we will insist that the perpetrators of the alleged abuses be prosecuted and sanctioned as appropriate,” he added.