OpeOluwani AkintayoLagos — The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has said it stands in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians, as they peacefully for an end to Police brutality or any form of brutality by any organisation.
In a release signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba. I. Okugbawa, and President, Comrade Festus Osifo, respectively, the association decried “inhumane treatment” meted out to Nigerians, especially the youth, by the Nigerian Police.
“In the past few weeks, reports have come to light detailing the excessive use of force by police officers, including unjustified shootings, severe beating, with most resulting in unwarranted deaths.
“At this time, we remember also the Nigerian people who have been molested, harassed, assaulted, and killed owing to the actions of officers in uniform, who swore to protect and serve every Nigerian citizen; their names will not be forgotten, and for the unnamed, we will continue to fight for justice and a better Nigeria for the future generation”, the release read.
It stated that the #EndSARS protests transcended police brutality, saying: “It is a cry for accountability in government and reforms of the political and societal landscape”.
It noted: “A Nigeria that works for all its citizens across all verticals of the society is “all” we seek. We call on the Nigerian government at all levels to hear the voice of the people, put an end to maladministration, lack of accountability, mismanagement of resources, and Police brutality.”
The association urged the government to “initiate the much-needed reforms in all sectors of our country, keeping in mind that insecurity of any kind, be it political, economic, or physical, in any place or to anyone, is insecurity to and for us all.”
It called on all Nigerians to maintain the peace, maturity, and coordination as they protest and “demand for a better country, which is our fundamental right”.
