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EndSARS: Police To Control SARS Movement – As Nigerians Protest Against Squad – Rivers Seeks Fakorede’s Sack, Prosecution
Thousands of Rivers people on the platform of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) last Monday, took to the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs to protest the killings, kidnappings and electoral fraud perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
The protesters marched through the streets of Port Harcourt before terminating at the PDP headquarters where statements were made by leaders.
The protesters sang anti-SARS songs and displayed placards condemning SARS personnel for their devilish acts of lawlessness.
They also demanded the immediate sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede.
Some of the placards read: “Sack Akin Fakorede Now”, “Stop Killings By SARS”, “President Buhari Call SARS To Order”, ‘End The Killings By SARS”, and “End SARS’ Brutality Now”
President-General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Mr Bright Amaehwule berated the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for turning themselves into political criminals used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perpetrate crime against Nigerians.
He said that the pro-SARS rally, which ran simultaneously in Port Harcourt, and organised by the APC, had confirmed that the brutality of SARS in the state was being sponsored by the party.
Amaehwule called for the immediate sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, who was captured on tape committing electoral fraud.
The GDI chieftain said Fakorede and his operatives must be held to account for their crimes against Rivers people.
He particularly lamented the three Ogoni youth killed by SARS operatives because they stopped SARS from engaging in pipeline vandalism.
In his remarks, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Engr Samuel Nwanosike regretted that the Police High Command had allowed SARS to degenerate into a deadly criminal gang.
He pointed out that SARS has become a security agency used by the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to terrorise Rivers people and steal their mandate.
While re-affirming the call for the sack and prosecution of Fakorede, Nwanosike said Rivers people will never be intimidated by the criminally-minded security gang.
He said: “SARS as presently constituted is no longer a security outfit. It has been turned against the people; hence Nigerians from all walks of life want the outfit disbanded.
“In Rivers State, we demand the sack and prosecution of the Rivers SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede. He has committed crimes against our people. We will continue to resist the impunity of SARS. Rivers people will never be intimidated by a gang of criminals,” Nwanosike added.
Also speaking, the former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Collins Onunwor said the people will not allow the use of SARS for the rigging of the 2019 General Elections.
It would be recalled that Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had drawn the attention of Nigerians to the crimes being perpetrated by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
The governor had in a press conference in Port Harcourt brought to public notice the Signal sent by the Inspector General of Police X Squad wherein SARS in Rivers State was indicted for kidnapping one Ifeanyi and demanding ransom from him.
The signal revealed that the SARS operatives later engaged the IGP X Squad in gun duel, leading to the death of a SARS operative.
Wike had requested the immediate transfer and prosecution of the Rivers SARS commander.
He also called for independent investigation of the activities of SARS in Rivers State.
But the IGP, however, declined both requests.
In response to the Inspector General of Police’s claim that he will reform SARS, Wike had advised Nigerians not to be deceived because the Police High Command had concluded plans to turn SARS into a deadly election rigging outfit in 2019.
Only recently, SARS operatives in company of the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaehi brazenly breached the security of Governor Nyesom Wike in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
It was learnt that the SARS commander led the Amaechi’s security team during the incident that attracted national and global outrage.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.