Nigerian governors have begun to inaugurate the Judicial Panel of Inquiry following a resolution at the last National Economic Council meeting chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Prof. Osinbajo also urged governors to set up special funds in their States to compensate victims of brutality and to also open communication lines that will enable them interface with citizens.
After the meeting which held on 15 October, many governors have swung into action setting Judicial Panel of Inquiry to ensure justice is delivered to victims and families of police brutality as well as prosecute erring Special Anti-Robbery Squad officers.
A leading voice in the #EndSARS protest, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz has explained how the Judicial Panel of Inquiry answers point two and three of the five point demand by the protesters.
On Monday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state set up the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in his state, urging them to ensure accountability.
“In line with the resolution of the National Economic Council, the Delta State Government will soon establish a Special Security and Human Rights Committee, which I will chair,” Okowa said.
“This Committee, which will include youth representatives and members of civil society, will directly oversee all tactical units of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that the fundamental human rights of citizens are respected and protected.
He added that, “This Committee will also set up a Human Rights Public Complaints Team of three people that will be tasked with receiving complaints about the activities of the police on an ongoing basis.
He noted that a dedicated phone line and social media channels will also be available to report any complaints — as we work to create more accountability within the Police Force.
Similarly, the acting Governor of Kaduna state, Hadiza Balarabe inaugurated the Kaduna State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into acts of police brutality. Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, Hon. Justice David Shiri Wyom who spoke on behalf of the members, assured that the Commission will do its best in this most important assignment.
“Serious concerns about police accountability have been expressed with unmistakable clarity. While the youths of this country have been at the forefront of making the urgent resolution of this issue a national priority, on this matter they speak for more than their demographic.”
“The FG and the state governments have endorsed the demand for reforms to policing. Central to this is a firm signal that impunity will not be tolerated. Therefore, governors agreed to establish judicial commissions of inquiry into acts of police brutality in every state.”
In Ondo state, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu explained that the terms of reference of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is as follows; (i.) to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra- judicial killings by the police in Ondo State; (ii.) to evaluate evidence and draw conclusion on validity of complains. (iii.) to recommend compensation and other remedial measures; and (iv.) to carry out any other assignment that may be deemed necessary pursuant to this purpose. The Judicial Panel of Inquiry has six months to conclude its assignment and submit its report.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that he is on the side of young Nigerians and he urged protesters to bring their agitation to a halt.
He said, “As we move to end police brutality, by virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, I inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which will receive and investigate complaints of police brutality in Lagos.
“I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are legitimate. I must reiterate that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we work on them.
“I will like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS including the families of those who have died to present their cases before this Panel.
Another state that has since inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is Ogun state. Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that the Panel was in line with the resolutions of the the National Economic Council, NEC meeting of 15th October.
“The setting up of this Panel, as well as a support fund, committee, office, forensic lab, and online complaints portal, is a demonstration of our administration’s commitment to true democracy and fundamental human rights.
He added that the Judicial Panels will achieve the following, (i.) To receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality, human rights violation, or extra-judicial killings in Ogun State; (ii.) To evaluate evidence presented and other circumstantial details, towards drawing conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; (iii.) To recommend compensation and other remedies, where appropriate; (iv.) To determine all officers responsible in any way for the abuse of victims, and recommend their prosecution; and (v.) Recommend to the Ogun State Government, ways to bring a permanent end to abuse of citizens’ rights by security agencies.
Other States that have inaugurated the Judicial Panels of Inquiry are Anambra, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Kwara, Nasarawa, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Enugu and Benue State.
