An Instagram live chat between Naira Marley and the Nigerian Police Force leadership is proof that the Federal Government did not take the singer’s threat lightly.
Naira Marley, yesterday, called the country’s youths to join him in a peaceful protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad’s inhuman treatment of Nigerians.
They were to rally at the Lekki 2nd toll gate by 11:00am this morning but between 8:30am and 10:00am, both the Police and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports sent appeals that the singer and youth influencer suspend the protest.
The 2 agencies of government promised to address the grievances that led to the planned protest.
In the Instagram live chat, Naira Marley the Police PRO, made the following commitments on behalf of the Federal government:
- The Inspector General of Police is very serious about the responsibilities and instructions that he has placed on SARS and FSARS
- When we say we will not allow them to carry out routine patrols, we are serious about it
- When we say we will not allow them to check and search ear phones, smart phones and computers or other smart devises of our citizens indiscriminately and unlawfully, we are serious about it.
- When we say we will not allow patrols in mufti and without appropriate name tags and uniforms, we are serious about it
- When we say that we will go after a police officer that is conducting himself or herself unlawfully and inappropriately, we are serious about it.
- Let me even expand this point, when we talk about policemen going on the street dressed inappropriately and carrying AK47, we are not talking about SARS alone… whichever unit you belong to, you are not allowed to go around in mufti. That is banned and it is banned.
Naira Marley asked if it was lawful to video-record a police officer on duty, Frank Mba said it was ok only if it safe to do so:
The Police PRO, Frank Mba said a special arrangement has been set up to police the policemen themselves.
The new arrangement, according him is to ensure that standard operating procedures are adhered to.
With the live chat successfully held and the protest put on hold, the youth through Naira Marley, promised to observe the police actions for another week to see if there are improvements.
A number of youth are unfortunately disappointed that Naira Marley readily gave in while others believe that he had no choice at this point.
Read also:
Naira Marley‘s Chat with @PoliceNG
“Federal Government Begs Naira Marley Not to Lead Youths in Protest