The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has warned against excessive use of force, shootings, severe beating, and unwarranted killing of innocent Nigerians, especially the youths.
The union expressed support for the ongoing #EndSARS protest, saying that it stands in solidarity with all well-meaning Nigerians, “as we peacefully demand the Nigerian Government puts an end to brutality in all and any form, by any organisation or sector.”
In a statement signed by PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, the union regretted that in the past few weeks, there have been reports of excessive use of force by police officers.
The statement read: “In the past few weeks, reports have come to light detailing the excessive use of force by police officers: including unjustified shootings, severe beating, with most resulting in unwarranted deaths. The inhumane treatment meted to Nigerians especially youths is evident.
“These reports show systemic abuse and reflect the fact that significant barriers to accountability exist, and therefore prevent erring officers from facing justice.”
ALSO READ: #EndSARS: Soldiers take over Ado-Ekiti, disperse protesters
It added: “At this time, we remember also the Nigerian people who have been molested, harassed, assaulted, and killed owing to the actions of officers in uniform who swore to protect and serve every Nigerian citizen; their names will not be forgotten, and for the unnamed, we will continue to fight for justice and a better Nigeria for the future generation.”
PENGASSAN pointed out that the #EndSARS protests transcend police brutality; adding that it was a cry for accountability in government and reforms of the political and societal landscape.
The union said: “A Nigeria that works for all its citizens across all verticals of the society, is all we seek. We call on the Nigerian Government at all levels to hear the voice of its people, put an end to maladministration, lack of accountability, mismanagement of resources, and police brutality.”
It emphasised that the government should initiate the much-needed reforms in all sectors of the country; “keeping in mind that insecurity of any kind, be it political, economic, or physical, in any place or to anyone is insecurity to and for us all.”
It added, “all Nigerians and friends with goodwill are hereby encouraged to maintain the peace, maturity, and coordination with which we have conducted these protests from the start in our demand for a better country, which is our fundamental human right.”
and then