Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has commended the End SARS protesters in the state and in other parts of the country as he stated that their struggles have brought an end to the dreaded police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
According to Akeredolu, a committee has been set up to receive complaints from members of the public on illegal detention, extortion and brutality by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
Governor Akeredolu disclosed that the committee will be headed by a retired Chief Judge and would commence work next week.
The Governor made this known while addressing the End SARS protesters in front of the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
He urged the protesters to take advantage of the committee by bringing to their notice all complaints and issues around police brutality, extortion and harassment.
“I note your statement that you don’t have a problem with SARS in Ondo State. But no doubt, SARS has ended. But whether you have a problem with SARS or not, there is no longer SARS in Nigeria. Your struggle has brought an end to SARS and you should give kudos tos yourselves.
“Now, when you talk about police brutality, it’s something not limited to youths alone. All of us know that several families have experienced this. People have lost their lives, people have lost their limbs. And the Police itself is aware of this.
“So, right from the President to the Vice President, to the Inspector General of Police, all of us held a meeting yesterday at the National Executive Council and we made it clear that there must be a reform of the Nigeria Police. And it has to be reformed.
“Now, we have to set up a committee here to be headed by a retired Chief Judge so that all your complains you will file to them. If you have anybody who is under any detention anywhere in the state, you will bring it to the notice of the committee.
“The committee will look at it and ensure that they are released instantly. So, after release, if they are entitled to other compensation, the committee will recommend. The committee will start work next week. I want you to take advantage of that committee. All of us are in support of the struggle.”
Earlier, popular social media influencer and #EndSars Advocate, Yemi Fasipe popularly known on Twitter as @YemieFASH urged Governor Akeredolu to use his good office to bring an end to the extortion and harassment of Police Officers particularly at the, “Scorpion”and”Anti-cultism,” squads in the state.