Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured mothers in Nigeria that he feels their pains.
Governor Wike gave this assurance while addressing Mothers of Nigeria that were protesting against police brutality and extra judicial killing of their children by men of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) at the Government House Gate on Monday, 19th October, 2020.
Represented by his Deputy Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo Governor Wike said “I have listened to all that you have said, I can assure you we also feel your pain”.
The State Chief Executive informed the people that he was the first Governor in the Country to raise an alarm because of the evil activities of SARS
“I know what you are talking about, this injustice must stop, I was the first person to start shouting that these people are going beyond bounds, Federal do something because they are Federal SARS, they are controlled by the Federal Government.
Governor Wike regretted that instead of taking stern disciplinary measures against erring officers they were rewarded.
“Infarct some that were caught on camera killing people were even promoted, to tell you the level of impunity” Governor Wike further stressed.
The Governor commended the mothers for their peaceful conduct. “We have observed we have followed and we thank you for coming out peacefully without harming yourselves without harming anybody or property, you have come out peacefully even under the rain and under the sun, you have come to make your voices heard after all Nigeria is supposed to be a democratic country, why will we not allow our voices to be heard, so we thank you for what you have brought to our notice which we already know”.
Governor Wike commiserated with all those who have lost their loved ones to Police brutality “so please be comforted those of you have lost someone I know what it feels like to lose someone. Nights of loneliness, pain, thinking wondering and sleepless nights I know those of you who have suffered brutality, even rape, I thank you for making your voices heard it is better now than never the time is right and please keep safe in all you do.” He quipped.
In her remarks Nollywood star, Hilda Dokubo said “For 12 days now we have been in the streets of Nigeria and we have handed documents to those in position we have said that for one time in this country nobody has been able to divide us along religious or ethnic lines.
Christians are here Muslims are here, Rivers people, Igbo people are here, Izon people, Middle belt, and Hausas are here, this is not an ethnic or religious battle, it is a movement of the people who are frustrated by a system that governs them, we are frustrated and it is showing out. She stressed.
