Governor Fayemi of Ekiti State says he is a victim of Police Brutality
Governor of Ekiti State John Olukayode Fayemi, is in the news over his comments on Police Brutality.
On Sunday, November 15 Governor Fayemi revealed that he has also been a victim of police brutality.
He made this known at an interaction session held by stakeholders’ on the recent protests which aimed to end the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force.
Fayemi stated that he was a victim of police brutality at Mugbagba area of Ado Ekiti.
It was when he sought for reelection in 2014, Fayemi stated he was ”teargassed by a team police.
Fayemi said, “The EndSARS protest was a noble course . It was supported here in Ekiti not because of those involved, but for the reason behind the action which we believe would help the police to put their house in order.
“The youth protest in Ekiti was well intentioned and peaceful. Right to peaceful protest is an inalienable right. For the first time we have panel of inquiries at every level of government to tackle our issues. We must not resort to violence as a solution to our agitations. We must all speak in unison against violence as we did in unison against Police brutality.
“Our youth are angry , because as they were coming out of closure of schools over Coronavirus pandemic , they entered into ASUU strike, then there is hunger in the land and the harsh economic situation in our country.
“The government has done many intervention programmes and had proscribed SARS and introduced youth investment fund and many others as a response to the youth agitations.
“I commiserate with the families of those who paid the supreme price. We identify with them. The panels that we set up will look into the reasons behind the protest and how best to address the issues raised, because EndSARS protest had placed a moral burden on all of us that we must be vigilant.
“I am a victim of police brutality myself. You could all recall what happened to me during my election of 2014. But some policemen had also rendered good services to me, so not all of them are bad.
“Our police must be motivated to do well. Policemen must be well remunerated . There must be good motivation for the police to be able to to discharge their duties effectively” .
