End SARS: UK parliament debate petition against Nigerian govt, security officials

[Edoman]

End SARS: UK parliament debate petition against Nigerian govt, security officials


 November 24, 2020



The United Kingdom Parliament on Monday deliberated on End SARS petition.


The petition seeks sanctions against Nigerian government officials and security personnel in the top echelon.


The request, created by Silas Ojo, has so far garnered 220,000 signatures, more than double of the 100,000 required.


The members of Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with human rights abuses by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).


They also condemned the October 20 Lekki shooting by the Nigerian Army.

The deliberation on the petition was held at the Westminster Hall, and led by James Gray, MP North Wiltshire.


“The petitioners are asking for sanctions against named individuals within the Nigerian government and security forces”, said Theresa Villiers, MP Chipping Barnet, who introduced the debate.


“There is a recognition that generalised sanctions applied to the country as a whole might cause hardship to ordinary people not in any way responsible for the problems highlighted by the petition.

“This debate is a vital opportunity to hear from the Minister (for Africa) and to have her response to this urgent appeal from the e-petitioners.


“I believe that the petitioners have a credible case for the imposition of individualized sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes.

“Nigeria is a country with so much going for it. A young and hugely talented population, massive natural resources and a rapidly developing economy.

“If the End SARS protesters secure the reform and improved governance they are demanding, Nigeria could become a formidable economic powerhouse”, Villiers added.

Other MPs, including Kate Osamor (Edmonton), Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge and Malling), Lyn Carol Brown (West Ham), Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West), spoke in a similar vein.


The lawmakers called on the Minister for Africa and the UK Foreign Office to liaise with Nigerian officials on issues raised and provide an update to parliament.

Last month, the UK Government admitted that it provided training and equipment to SARS.