MEMBERS of the 9th Senate on Wednesday took turn to condemn the culture of brutality by members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad popularly known as SARS, describing them as not different from criminals.
Oluremi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District cited Order 42 and 52 to seek the leave of the Senate to present a motion on the need to check the culture of brutality by security operatives to Nigerians.
While contributing, Sabi Abdullahi representing Niger North Senatorial District said the only difference between SARS and criminals “is that they are holding AK47.”
“Some very wicked Nigerians go to SARS to tell them to harass their fellow citizens. We must ensure that SARS has a rule of engagement that everyone is aware of.”
According to Abdullahu, “SARS members are agents of corruption,” adding that “They extort money from innocent people and lock people up arbitrarily.”
He further argued that SARS operatives demand drivers’ license which is not their duty.
“They are not VIOs; they will go ahead to ask for a driving licence. That is not their function. They must face their functions.”
On his part, George Sekibo a PDP senator from Rivers State, said SARS operatives have turned back against the nation.
“This is the right time to do something about them,” Sekibo said.
Senator Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North said the police should invest in having ICT centres in order to have a special squad whose responsibility is on cybercrime prevention.
“Harassing and killing innocent civilians is uncivilized and must be stopped,” Oduah, a former Minister of Aviation said.
Also, Elisha Ishaku, backed Tinubu’s motion noting that that the Inspector General of Police must come up ways to reform SARS “so that they can look like personnel and not armed robbers in their dressing.
“I am calling on Mr President that SARS should be reformed,” he said.
Philip Aduda who represents the FCT at the Senate said SARS operatives kill Nigerians at will with no just reason.
“These people go about killing people for no just reason. Once they suspect somebody, they chase and kill the person. It is unfortunate. You see these SARS people and you wonder if they are armed robbers,” Aduda said.
The Abba Kyari group has done well and has been able to show commitment and loyalty but all the others have lived short of their responsibilities. I support this motion and we must ensure the lives of the citizens are safe.”