- Demands Independent Investigation, End To Police Brutality…
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Rep. Karen Bass has written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari over the Tuesday’s shooting of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll plaza.
The caucus called for dialogue with the CBC and the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Sylvanus Nsofor.
In the letter dated October 21, 2020, the Congressional Black Caucus expressed concern over reported cases of the use of force by the Nigerian police and military, which has resulted in the loss of lives and injury to many protesters in Nigeria.
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The Congressional Black Caucus urged President Buhari to take some urgent steps in managing the crisis. The CBC said the following steps, among other measures, should be taken by President Buhari to help address the crisis:
“Release all the protesters who were arrested for taking part in the #EndSARS protests over the last few weeks;
“Uphold the rights to non-violent protest and ensure the safety of protestors in accordance with the International Bill of Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended);
“Publicly commit to allow an independent investigation into human rights abuses committed by the SARS unit and the police in general and include youth representatives voted on by the public on the Judicial Panels of Inquiry;
“Allow an independent investigation of the actions the led to the killings at the Lekki Toll gate;
“Provide justice for the families of the victims of recent protests against police brutality; and
“Initiate comprehensive overall reform of the security sector, including incorporating accountability structures and the recommendations from the 5for5 made by Nigerian youth.”
