Observations: The #EndSARS Special (1)
The sad histories of a notorious policing unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have inspired nationwide protests in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria.
With the singular #EndSARS, the country’s youth have sustained the protests aimed at reforming the policing system and drawn international attention to the cause.
Every Sunday, you’d get to read a fresh episode of commentaries on the socially-conscious movement.
ANON ASSAULT
Apart from garnering over N70 million in donations this week, the #EndSARS protests waxing stronger nationwide found a new support system — Anonymous. In three days, the international hacktivist group has hacked and ‘had fun’ with the Twitter handles and websites of key government agencies, including the database of the notorious, disbanded F-SARS unit of the Nigeria Police Force, broadcast regulator, NBC, and apex bank, CBN. Expectedly, these agencies have dismissed and debunked the chain of attacks. But the fact remains the assault must be one bitter pill, too many for the administrators and handlers of these government assets at this time. And the group has threatened to do more and spill more leaks to cleanse the Nigerian society off systemic rots. Chilling.
PROTEST DISRUPTORS
With sordid instances here and there, the actions of hoodlums are casting dark shadows on the #EndSARS protests in major cities across the country. On Saturday, a protester was killed in Osun just as the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola escaped death by whiskers. Before this, thugs killed a peaceful protester in Benin on Friday. The criminal lots have disrupted the protests at least twice in Lagos and Abuja. Although the government have been labelled sponsors, the attacks are signposts of exploiting a few unlettered minds and stifling freedom of expression. To address the recurring attacks, protest organizers have made provisions for private security at the protest grounds. However, the government must display a commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens who are displeased with the way things are. Sad.
THE REJECTED MEAL
Barely 24 hours after disbanding the dreaded Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu announced a replacement in the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Despite giving assurances that the new unit will be professional and accountable to the people, protesters believe the efforts are insincere. And the hastiness hasn’t helped either. It appears a lot will have to go into regaining the trust and confidence of the citizenry, considering the inactions and brutality of the defunct SARS and other such notorious policing units. To achieve this, reorientation and rededication to professionalism are essential starting points. Taking care of officers’ welfare and strict adherence to security duties other than ransacking people’s phones and laptops will equally aid these efforts and salvage the NPF’s reputation. Crucial.
