Nigerians are calling for the resignation of the head of the country’s police force after days of incessant anti-police brutality protests.
Demonstrations erupted on October 6 against the alleged violence, human rights abuses and extra-judicial killings of the Special Anti-robbery Squad, infamously known as SARS.
Amnesty International recorded at least 82 cases of torture, ill treatment and extra-judicial execution between January 2017 and May 2020 by officers of the police unit.
On October 11, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, announced the dissolution of SARS. But rallies persisted, with protesters demanding further police reforms.
They’re also now calling for Adamu to resign, citing his inability to lead the police force and prevent illegal practices within the police.
“When a company has been mismanaged into bankruptcy and disaster, they fire the CEO,” singer and record label executive Banky W said in a tweet.
” You don’t expect reform from the same person that allowed things to get this bad. You fire the CEO.
“In our case, that CEO is the IG. The IG must go. Please resign, Sir.”
Banky W has been a vocal supporter of the #EndSARS movement, both on social media and on the streets of Lagos.
Journalist Kiki Mordi simply wrote: “We demand the resignation of the IG of police. Pass it on. #EndSARS.”
Her tweet was part of a viral chain on the platform calling for Adamu’s resignation.
In a tweet to Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, entertainer Debo Macaroni called for the IGP’s dismissal, saying the “impunity and recklessness” under Adamu was “unacceptable.”
“The IGP should be fired,” he said. “We are still facing the same insecurity and threat to life that we are protesting against?? What is he still doing in office?”
Anti-police brutality rallies entered the twelfth straight day on Sunday, with protests vowing to continue until all their demands are met.
Rita Osakwe
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