NIGERIANS MARCH AGAINST AL-MAKURA'S IMPUNITY.

As reactions continue to trail the alleged maltreatment
of certain Lois Ngi Iorvihi and his family by some
persons believed to be security aides to Nasarawa
State governor, Al-Makura Tanko; a group under the
aegis of Concerned Nigerian Citizens has called on the
Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to
investigate the matter and possibly bring those behind
the cruel act to book.
The group, which staged a protest tagged Impunity of Al
Makura on Friday in Abuja, described the incident as an
indictment on the Nigeria Police Force.
The protesters who were seen displaying placards
bearing different inscriptions such as: ”Nigerian march
against impunity of Al Makura, ” Nigerians say no to
police harassment, brutality, misconduct, impunity and
lawlessness, among others; asked the police boss whi
received them to call his officers to order.
A statement issued at the end of the protest by the
conveners warned that such act of lawlessness would
no longer be tolerated.
According to the statement signed by it frontiers, Aisha
Yesufu and Sesugh Akume, the police were supposed to
protect lives and property and not harassing innocent
citizens.
The statement reads below:
“We are a committed group of law abiding and well-
meaning patriotic Nigerians. We formally brought to the
notice of the Inspector-General of Police that on
Thursday, 10 September 2015, officers and men of the
Nigeria Police Force on convoy of Governor Al-Makura
of Nasarawa brutalised and dehumanised Nigerian
citizens, vandalised their vehicle and destroyed other
properties.
“They acted lawlessly (in the manner of goons),
deployed fright, intimidation and vandalism to achieve
their ends. This makes them no different from
terrorists. Ironically as law enforcement officers, they
were so brazen in their lawlessness, and acted with
such impunity not minding the consequences.
This is an indictment on the Nigeria Police Force. This
is one of innumerable cases. This, we the citizens find
unacceptable. We therefore wish to register our
displeasure at these continued cases of police
misconduct, brutality, impunity and lawlessness; and
Mr IGP to use his good offices to end these once and
for all during his tenure. We therefore call for: A. An
investigation into this particular incidence involving the
security detail on Governor Al-Makura’s convoy; and
for the stiffest penalties meted to the offenders to serve
as a deterrent to others.
“This would go a long way in restoring citizens’
confidence in the police. B. Setting up and/or
promoting an accountability system for citizens to
report police misconduct; and for the investigations
into such reported matters to be carried out
transparently, and offenders dealt with to the full extent
of the law.
“This is a sure means of putting to an end to the
negative culture of police misconduct, brutality and
impunity; and restoring public confidence in the Nigeria
Police Force.
“This would cause, and promote promote a ‘police-
citizens understanding and partnership’ in working
towards instilling a culture of propriety, and the respect
of law and order, as well as crime prevention in our
country.,” the statement added.