ENDSARS PROTEST PARALYSES ENUGU AS FLAVOUR, PHYNO TAKE LEAD
Reporter: MAUREEN OTUKWU
As the #ENDSARS protest continues nation-wide, youths in Enugu State have called for physiological evaluation and retraining of all disbanded police officers before they can be redeployed.
The youth, who marched through the major streets of Enugu metropolis, also gave the Federal Government a ten day ultimatum to restore absolute civility in the police as an institution.
For days now, youth in various States of the Federation have been on the streets to protest against alleged brutality and unlawful activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squd (SARS).
In a swift response, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) announced the disbandment of the unit and immediate redeployment of the personnel to other units.
The protesters in Enugu expressed doubts believing that more needed to be done to reform the police force and restore confidence in Nigeria.
Some of the demands according to the youths include, immediate release of all arrested #ENDSARS protesters, Justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and adequate compensation to their families.
One of the leaders of the youth and a popular musician, Chinedu Okoli, otherwise known as Flavour, while reading out other demands, said government must act fast to protect youths.
Another musician, Mr. Chibuzo Azubuike known as Phyno, and the National Patron of Nigerian Students and Youths, Mr. Chinedu Aniche, said there must be pragmatic approach to the disbandment order by the IGP to ensure civility among policemen.
The seriousness of the protesters was further demonstrated at the Government House when they rejected to be addressed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, insisting that it must be the Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
However, the Deputy Governor later addressed them and commended their peaceful disposition, assuring them of every support to look into their grievances
The youth finally retired to Michael Okpara Square where they promised to continue the protest if not addressed by the Governor.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions ”The way I walk is not an invitation to be extorted or beaten,” “Who we go fear, police or robbers,” and “Stop killing our youths.”