Investigate police brutality, don urges Tinubu

A senior lecturer at Federal University Kashere, Gombe State, Dr Tukur Yemi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a judicial panel to investigate cases of police brutality during the nationwide protests and ensure justice for victims.

The varsity don highlighted the need for economic managers to implement reforms addressing inequality and creating opportunities for all Nigerians, while also taking concrete steps to address the protesters’ grievances.

This was contained in a press statement titled ‘Nigeria in Crisis: A Plea for Leadership and Reconciliation,’ which was obtained by our correspondent on Sunday.

The scholar said, “As a concerned university lecturer, I appeal for your immediate attention to the escalating protests that are ravaging our nation and claiming innocent lives. The deteriorating security situation in Nigeria has reached a critical juncture, necessitating decisive action from your administration to restore peace and order.”

Explaining further why the government should urgently consider his counsel, he added, “As an academic, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of instability on our students, institutions, and communities. The current protests have led to widespread violence, destruction of property, and loss of lives, underscoring the urgent need for your leadership to address the grievances of the protesters and engage in constructive dialogue with their leaders.”

He asked the Federal Government to deploy security forces to protect lives and property while avoiding excessive use of force, adding that the federal government must collaborate with state governors and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

While appealing for calm and an end to violence and destruction in the country, the lecturer proposed that the federal government should “immediately reinstate the fuel subsidy to alleviate the economic hardship faced by citizens and assure the protesters that their demands are being taken seriously.”