President Buhari Yet To Make Decision On Approval Of State Police Says Panel President, Tony Ojukwu

Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission and Chairman, Presidential Panel on SARS Reform, Tony Ojukwu ESQ

The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission and Chairman, Presidential Panel on SARS Reform, Tony Ojukwu ESQ. debunked the news that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of State and LGA Police as recommended by the Panel.

The news was quoted to be part of a report on the reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which also recommended the setting up of state and local government police.

Read full statement

The attention of the Presidential Panel on SARS Reform has been drawn to the news media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of State and LGA Police as recommended by the Panel.

The Presidential Panel submitted its report to the President today and made several recommendations including the need for the establishment of state and LGA Police. The Panel also offered many implementation strategies.

In his response. President directed the Solicitor-General of the Federation/Permanent Secretary. the Inspector-General of Police and the NHRC to advise the government on the implementation of the report within the timeframe of three (3) months. The President has not, therefore, approved the recommendations of the Panel until the Committee set up thereto reports back to him in three (3) months.

This clarification has become necessary to correct the misrepresentation of the directive of the President during the Presentation of the report by the Presidential Panel by some online and social media, the statement ended.