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IPAC Justifies Anger Over Excesses Of SARS Operations
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has commended the actions taken so far by the Federal Government in response to nationwide protests against the operations of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the disbandment of the unit earlier in the week.
IPAC said that it was in support of the protesters, stressing that SARS outlived its usefulness when its operatives became oppressors and killers of innocent citizens, particularly youths.
The IPAC National Chairman, Dr Leonard Nzenwa, told journalists in Abuja, yesterday, that “no nation folds its hands and watch the gruesome killing of its people by law enforcement agents who are paid and sustained by tax payer’s funds. Therefore, the anger in the land over the excesses of SARS operations is justified.
“We are, however, concerned that after the government has acceded to the wishes of the people by disbanding SARS, committing to reform the police, the protesters have failed to return home and go about their businesses.
“Some protesters called for an end to police brutality, others called for an end to oppression of the people, for restructuring of Nigeria, while some are demanding that Buhari must go. It’s worrisome that some protesters even attacked police stations; some were violent while police officers opened fire on some of them.
“So far, some policemen and civilians have been killed and many others wounded in these avoidable fracas that has seen protesters block major roads across the country, preventing innocent citizens and school children from accessing the roads thus creating a climate of fear and public disorder”.
IPAC insisted that they support the right of Nigerians to peacefully protest, encouraging orderly protests.
“It’s inappropriate, unfair and unjust to disrupt public peace indefinitely. It is a recipe for anarchy, more so, when the objective of the protest has been achieved”, the IPAC said.
The council called for an end to the nationwide protests so that it won’t be hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of the country.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Nobody should be prevented or hindered from carrying out his or her lawful business due to elongated protests. Attacking public facilities, blocking airports and major roads and stopping innocent citizens to go about their business is no more protest.
“Besides, the economy is in recession, damaged and crumbling following the COVID-19 pandemic global lockdown. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to revamp the economy and move the nation forward as the nation’s economy is private sector-driven”, Nzenwa said.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
