Delta State Governor Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed sadness, over the reported killing of a policeman and injuring of another during the END SARS protests at Ughelli on Thursday.
Okowa expressed this in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, and made available newsmen in Asaba.
The governor said it was disheartening that the unfortunate incidents occurred while the policemen were carrying out their lawful duties.
He asserted that citizens reserved the right to protest against any case of injustice or perceived wrongs in the society, but cautioned that such right must be exercised within the ambit of the law.
“As a government, we recognize that protest on any issue of governance or the like is a legitimate right of citizens, but must be embarked on responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
I, therefore, condemn in very strong terms, the killing of Corporal Etaga Stanley and injuring of another officer, Sergeant Patrick Okuone, by hoodlums under the guise of #ENDSARS protests.
“I call for calm in the area and urge the police authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the issues over the protest and circumstances surrounding the killing of the policeman, injuring of another, and damages to police patrol vehicles by the hoodlums reportedly sponsored by ‘Yahoo Boys’.
I also call on the people, particularly the youths, not to take the law into their hands. It is the constitutional duty of the Police to maintain law and order in society, and they should be supported by all and sundry to do so at all times.
On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the Commissioner of Police, the Delta State Police Command and the family of the deceased officer, in the unfortunate incident of Thursday at Ughelli.
“I call on the people of Delta and other Nigerians involved in the #ENDSARS protests to remain peaceful while the Inspector-General of Police carry out reform on the SARS team as being demanded,” Okowa said.
Thank you for taking your time in reading through our Journal Today. We wish to always provide you with qualitative Stories as far as GOOD-JOURNALISM is CONCERN. But good journalism costs a lot of money and only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, accountability democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism, we ask you to consider subscribing to our daily news updates.
