The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa conveyed the assurance in a statement following #EndSARS protests by members of the Nigerian community there between Oct. 9, 12 and Oct. 16 respectively.

This is contained in a statement made available to our reporter in New York on Monday .

The High Commission lauded the protesters for their peaceful conduct, assuring them that their “love and patriotic zeal will never be in vain as peaceful protest and constructive criticism are all hallmarks of democracy.

“The High Commission, having heard your concerns and received a protest note, wishes to reassure you that appropriate steps have been taken to speedily convey same to the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is also pertinent to ensure all that government is presently focused on the issues raised and is addressing them with the seriousness they require,” it said.

The mission stated that the recent decisions of the National Economic Council (NEC) were a demonstration of the government’s commitment in this regard.

One of the decisions is the immediate establishment of state-based judicial panels of enquiry into complaints of brutality and extra-judicial killings against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad across the country.

This, according to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is to ensure justice is delivered to all victims as demanded by the protesters.

NEC also directed state governors to set up a victim support fund to compensate those negatively affected by SARS operations, among other decisions.

SARS has long been disbanded and its operatives have been recalled to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for psychological evaluation, according to the police.

“While appealing to all Nigerians resident in Canada for calm and patience, the High Commission wishes to assure that your collective call for good and improved governance at all levels has been heard.

“Once again, accept our appreciation for your patriotism and efforts,” the mission said.

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Our correspondent reports that the protesters’ demand include the immediate release of those arrested and justice for victims of police brutality.

The protesters are also calling for the setting up of an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct.

They are calling for psychological evaluation and retraining of all disbanded SARS officers before redeployment

It was reported that the anti-SARS protesters also demand for increase in salary of police officers.

To meet the demands of the protesters, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu on Oct. 11, dissolved the SARS outfits across the country and FCT.

It was recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, while addressing the nation on Oct. 12, said the dissolution of SARS was the first step in reform of the police.

The IGP on Oct. 13 also ordered all defunct SARS operatives to report at the Force Headquarters for debriefing as well as psychological and medical examination.

The examination is to be carried out by the new Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU).

It was further reported that the National Economic Council on Oct. 15, directed the immediate establishment of state-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality.

The panels which include representatives of youths, students and civil society organisations, are to be headed by a respected retired state High Court judge.

The panels have six months to complete their assignments.

NEC directed governors and the FCT minister to take charge of the interface and contact with protesters in their domains.

The governors are also to immediately establish a victims Fund to facilitate the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.

However, the protesters have added fresh demands to their list.

These include institutional reforms in Federal Government organisations, education reforms, youth development reforms and constitutional reforms.

Others are public office reforms, health reforms as well as reduction in cost of governance.

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