Members of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF have revealed their resolutions during the 19th Teleconference Governor’s meeting held on Wednesday, October 14 where some issues affecting the country were discussed including the nationwide protests against police brutality.
In a Communique issued at the end of the meeting, the governors said they were in support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP’s plan to carry out far-reaching reforms geared towards greater effectiveness, accountability and transparency in the Nigerian Police Force.
However, the governors recommended that the IGP, the Police Service Commission, and the Nigeria Police Council should immediately review the remuneration and emoluments of police officers.
According to the Communique signed by the NGF Chairman and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governors argued that the timing for the creation of the Special Weapons And Tactics, SWAT is inauspicious adding that it might be misinterpreted as a move to dress FSARS in another garb.
They further advised that the IGP should immediately convene a meeting of all stakeholders and agree on a format of engagement with all States officials to address concerns to address matters arising.
The governors emphasized that police reforms must include the training and retraining of operatives on the rules of engagement with the general public adding that policing in Nigeria must ensure freedom of all Nigerians to carry out their lawful businesses anywhere in the country.
It was also stated that throughout the reform process, the room for consultation may include sessions and direct feedback from the general public.
The NGF added that all police officers who participated in the abuse or actions that might have led to injury or the death of innocent citizens must be fished out and brought to book while other Nigerians who have been affected by police brutality or other actions that were injurious to them or their loved ones should be compensated.
During the meeting, the IGP was enjoined to forge a stronger partnership with the State government and the civil society to improve civil relations between the Nigerian police and the general public.
