IGP measures to overhaul SARS too cosmetics, NGOs lament
Two non-governmental organisations and human right crusaders, Access to Justice and Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) have described the steps taken by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris to reform the Special Anti Robery Squad (SARS) as too short, and will not go far enough to effect the needed change.
According to both agencies who spoke via a press release issued recently, the measures by IGP Idris led Police management to reform SARS was long overdue, but the steps taken so far appear like a knee-jerk reaction to the Presidential directive, having been announced just on the heels of the directive.
The NGOs maintained that the speed with which the IGP had responded to the directive shows no thoughtful reflection or consultations were made on such issue of public importance.
Part of the statement signed by Joseph Otteh, Director, Access to Justice and Okechukwu Nwanguma, the National Coordinator, NOPRIN reads, “In compliance to the acting President’s (Prof Yemi Osibanjo) order, the IGP had ordered the immediate overhauling of SARS nationwide, changing its nomenclature, its commanders and structure. He also promised a new set of ‘Standard Operational Guidelines and Procedures, and code of conduct for all FSARS personnel’.
“After a review of the IGP’s new overhaul order, we are convinced that the measures come too short, and do not go far enough of what is needed to reform SARS.
“Also there are no measures of accountability for unlawful actions proposed in the new policies. The IGP offers the public, communication channels for reporting grievances against FSARS, but did not commit the police force to ensuring that every complaint made against FSARS operatives will be promptly and fairly investigated, and where substantiated, result in a definite outcome.
“It is important to note in this context that the police force has always had communication lines for reporting unlawful or unprofessional behaviour of its officers.
“The IGP also fails to offer concrete proposals for ensuring safeguards against abuse; his new policy contains no measures/guarantees for: (a) protecting complainants; (b) ensuring complaints get fair and speedy consideration, and (c) complainants are not subjected to reprisal attacks or persecution by persons within the police system.” They stated.
Access to Justice and NOPRIN, therefore, called on the IGP to go back to the drawing board, and fashion a new, more embracing and inspiring set of reforms for SARS.
On ways to make the Police Service Commission (PSC) vibrant and true to its calling, both agencies called on the presidency to order for its rejuvenation; saying the PSC is the body constitutionally mandated to appoint and discipline members of the Police Force.
They urged the presidency to give directives that push the PSC into more active gear, to justify its existence and play its part in reforming Nigeria’s police force into a truly democratic institution.
