Following the resolutions from the meeting of the 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT chaired by Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, 6 state governors have swung into action by setting up judicial panels of inquiries.
In line with the demands of #EndSARS protesters seeking justice for victims, the purpose of setting up these panels is to ensure justice is served and erring disbanded SARS operatives as well as police officers who have been indicted in the cases of police brutality, extra judicial killings and other related matters of violence that have been meted out on Nigerian citizens are brought to face the law.
In Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated a 7 man panel of inquiry and restitution to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations. Furthermore, the governor encouraged all victims to keep faith and await the outcome of the constituted panel.
In the same vein, a neighboring Ogun State, has also taken the same initiative by inaugurating an 8-panel committee to probe allegations of human rights abuse in the state with a mandate to deliver its findings within 6 months.
The Executive Governor of the State, Dr. Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for the panel to come up with findings for speedy implementation.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has also vowed to deliver justice as regards the same issue setting up an 8 man panel. In his remarks, Dr Okowa stated the his government is committed to also open a victim’s fund to enable the payment of appropriate compensation to families of deserving victims who have been involved in police brutality or related extrajudicial killings.
Similarly in Cross Rivers State, Governor Ben Ayade has given the go ahead for an investigative panel to look into similar issues in the state. Present at the commissioning of panel was the state’s commissioner of police in Cross Rivers state who the governor prevailed on to work with government to ensure that those whose loved ones have been killed are adequately given justice and compensated.
The Kaduna state government is also taking a cue from this by ensuring to end impunity of security agencies in the state. Speaking at a meeting, the deputy governor of Kaduna state, Balarabe Hadiza assured that the government is firm in its decision to put a stop to impunity displayed by security agents in the state.
After announcing a 24 hour curfew in the state following a prison break in the capital city, the Edo state government also went ahead to set up a 12 man panel of inquiry to also look into the demands of #EndSARS protesters in the state.
In a statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie (Esq.), the government disclosed that the panel have a period of 90 days to complete the assignment in response to the yearnings of Nigeria youths as contained in the demands of the #EndSARS protesters.
#EndSARS protesters not responsible for Benin Prison Break – Edo Deputy Governor
The #EndSARS protest in Benin city took another turn yesterday when some hoodlums attacked the prisons in Benin and Oko setting inmates free.
According to the viral videos seen on the internet, some inmates were seen jumping the fence while others were running away on the street. Hoodlums were said to have attacked and burnt police stations also.
In light of the ongoing development in the state, the state government went ahead to declare a 24-hour curfew to help curtail the situation and restore the state to normalcy.
Meanwhile, appearing on Channels Television, the deputy governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Shaibu has stated that the demands of the #EndSARS protesters are legitimate and that the state government is working towards acting on their demands.
The deputy governor went further to say that he had interacted with the #EndSARS protesters in the state and he is sure that the hoodlums that perpetrated the violent incidents where not the same men and women he had spoken with earlier.
Rt. Hon Shaibu also added that the reason for declaring the curfew was to safeguard lives and properties in the state as well as to protect the #EndSARS protesters in the state.
