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As the #EndSARS Campaign Rages On, What Are The Issues At Stake?

As the #EndSARS Campaign continues, what exactly are the demands of the protesters and what does the government need to do to calm fraying nerves.

Depending on what side of the fence you are sitting on, it is difficult to escape the ongoing #EndSARS Campaign as it seeks to end police brutality in Nigeria. After days of Protest by young Nigerians, the government is yet to come to terms with the fact that even after “disbanding” the said tactical Unit of the Police, protests are still ongoing around the World.

Just yesterday Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey threw his weight behind the protests, sparking new life into the Nigerian Twitter community most of whom see this as a credible endorsement of their struggle. A movement without a figure head, Isn’t something most governments around the world enjoy dealing with. It is spontaneous, organic, and most of the time difficult to grasp.

The docility of the Nigerian youth over the years has perhaps left successive governments comfortable in their rot, this new found voice, this outcry, is one that will live long in our memories. So what exactly does the #EndSARS Campaign seek to achieve? A Document circulating on Twitter aggregates what the youths want.

Immediate Release of Protesters

The movement while insisting on an end to police Brutality and a freedom to protest peacefully also want the authorities to release all protesters that have been taking into police custody.

Compensation and Justice for Families of Victims of Brutality

The protesters demand that all officers involved in extrajudicial killings must be brought to book. In this case arraigned and prosecuted. The families of the deceased have to be compensated by government.

Also Read: Activism is a Negative Word – Yeni Kuti

Psychological evaluation and Retraining of members of the now defunct SARS

Considering the sheer wickedness that has been perpetuated by these men for most of their career, its no surprise that people are asking that they be evaluated and retrained. The mere fact that most of these men would remain in active service is a cause for concern. But in a case where it is impractical to sack members of a unit that numbers up to 10,000, it is only reasonable that they be retrained and better positioned to discharge their duties.

Setting up an independent body To Investigate Reports of Police Misconduct

A crucial part of the #EndSARS Campaign is that the authorities set up an independent body that would be tasked with investigating police misconduct. A kind of censoring body that the public can have access to in case of police misbehavior at any level.

Increase In salary and Remuneration

Its quite funny that the same police that has been coopted to attack protesters is been considered favorably by the protesters. At the core of the illegalities of SARS has been their penchant to extort innocent citizens. However the reality remains that the bulk of the men in the Police are grossly underpaid, and live in some of the most unbearable conditions. Their barracks is simply put – inhabitable. If their welfare isn’t improved, it would be silly to think their mindset would improve.

 

From the look of things the government has shown very little inclination to heed to these demands, little wonder the protests keeps gathering steam. We may just be looking at a scenario of rock colliding with an immovable object. Only time would tell who will blink first

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Peter Obi decries Demolition of brother’s property in Lagos – ‘Nigeria is lawless’

Former presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “coordinated lawlessness” after a property owned by his younger brother was demolished in Lagos without any formal notice or legal order.

In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, June 25, Obi revealed that his brother arrived at the company’s premises in Ikeja, Lagos, only to find demolition underway.

He said security personnel at the scene claimed they were acting on a court judgment, yet failed to produce any legal documents or demolition order.

“How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case?” Obi queried, disclosing that the judgment cited was allegedly against “unknown persons and squatters,” despite the property being a registered company site for over 15 years.

Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos upon receiving a distress call, only to be shocked by what he witnessed during the demolition.

He said contractors on-site could not identify who sent them, and no official from any government agency appeared to clarify the situation.

“The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” Obi stated, adding that two men who later appeared only asked him to report to a police station, also without any court backing.

Drawing broader implications, Obi said the experience reflects what ordinary Nigerians endure and explains why foreign investors are reluctant to do business in the country.

“Someone told me he has investments in Ghana, Senegal, and the Benin Republic but won’t touch Nigeria. His reason was clear: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country,’” Obi noted.

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I listen to those who insult me and learn governance lessons from them – Tinubu

pro-Tinubu group

President Bola Tinubu said he has grown a thick skin against insults from his critics and political enemies to the point that he now learns governance lessons from them.

Tinubu disclosed this while speaking at the town hall meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The meeting was part of activities scheduled for the President’s visit in the wake of recent killings in the state. Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and other dignitaries, including North Central governors, received the President.

“No matter what I do, they will insult me. I read the papers and I learn from their criticism because I can’t see it all,” the President said.

Over 200 residents of the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state were killed when assailants suspected to be herders invaded on Friday, June 13, 2025.

The unfortunate incident attracted both nationwide and foreign attention, with international media outlets reporting it. Following the outrage, Tinubu visited Benue on Wednesday to console the surviving victims of the killings.

Addressing the Governor, the President said, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed. Are you just realising that?”

Tinubu also urged leaders from across the region to work together as part of a non-kinetic approach to solving the hydra-headed insecurity situation.

“We cannot do without another.

“I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.

Tinubu also charged security agencies to go after the perpetrators of the Benue killings, questioning the police on why no suspects have been arrested since the incident.

Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” the displeased President asked.

“I expect there should be arrests of those criminals.”

“I give you the assurance that we will find peace and convert this tragedy to prosperity.”

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Entertainment

Tinubu, you are incapable – Falz slams president over Benue killings

Nigerian rapper and activist, Falz, has condemned President Bola Tinubu over the recent mass killings in Benue State, accusing him of failing in his most fundamental responsibility as a leader.

In a strongly worded post shared on X on June 16, 2025, the rapper expressed deep frustration at what he described as a repeated pattern of government negligence amid growing insecurity across the country.

You have consistently shown that you are incapable of performing the primary duty of securing the lives and property of your citizens. This routine statement does not cut it.

Falz’s comments come in the wake of public outrage over the massacre of more than 200 people in parts of Benue State. The killings, which have been linked to suspected herdsmen attacks, have drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians and prominent voices in entertainment.

After being called out online for what many people perceived as his silence on the matter, President Tinubu took to X to address the massacre, saying “Enough is enough.”

His statement read in part,

“I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State. Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.”

Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.

Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice.

Despite finally addressing the bloodshed, many Nigerians have still faulted Tinubu for not speaking on it early enough, especially after the Pope.

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