…as hoodlums sets over 2000 prisoners free at Oko
By Okosun Dennis
Following the unpalatable turnout of mass protest by #EndSARS protesters on Monday in Benin City, the Edo State Government has set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to look into the circumstances surrounding the #EndSARS protests in the State.
The Panel, according to the Secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie Esq; has 90 days to complete its assignment, adding that the panel was in response to the yearnings of Nigerian youths, as articulated in the demands of the #Endsars protesters.
He further explained that “all hearings would be open to the general public.
As a result, all interested persons are advised to send their complaints, petitions and suggestions to the Committee.
While constituting the 12-member panel with a defined terms of reference, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, engaged the following members.
They are: Hon Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe, as the Chairperson;
Bishop Feb Idahosa, (Clergy); Francis Osayi, (ASUU); Comrade Osahon Obasuyi (NYC); Prest Aigbokhian (Civil Society);
Mrs Uloaku Uzamere (NCWS):
Comrade Pius Efofan (NANS);
Pius Okpere (#EndSARS Movement); Comrade Kola Edokpayi (#EndSARS Movement);
Mrs Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice); Representative of security forces; Mrs Joyce Ugbodaga, Secretary to the Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Panel include; To receive complaints and petitions from the general public, particularly victims or relatives of victims of police brutality and extra-judicial killings, and to recommend measures, including compensation and restitution, investigation and prosecution, as the circumstances warrant; To advise on compensation or restitution to the victims, or- where the victim has been killed- to the family of the victim, based on condition which shall be clearly laid out by the Committee.
Other reference are: To ensure that compensation is paid within 14 days of the decision to compensate; To recommend and direct the Attorney General to immediately prosecute all persons responsible for the various crimes committed; To recommend measures to forestall reoccurrences in the future and To make any other recommendations to government in furtherance of the mandate of this Committee.
Osarodion further reiterated that, “The Edo State government fully ascribed to the ideals of the #EndSARS movement, which is driven by the desire for a new Nigeria, within which no man or woman is oppressed, and within which all can realise their true potentials.
“The reform and repositioning of the Nigerian Police Force is an integral part of this move, and therefore, we call upon the Federal Government to speedily intervene and take immediate and concrete measures to strengthen the Nigerian Police Force, and ensure that all officers and men conduct themselves in a humane and efficient manner, in alignment with international best practices.
Meanwhile, over 2000 inmates at the Oko Correctional Centre have been set free by irate hoodlums who cashed on the #EndSARS Protest to storm the facility.
Earlier, they also attacked Sapele Correctional Facility and set prisoners free in a Gestapo manner culminating to a 24-hour curfew imposition by the state government.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/gov-obaseki-sets-up-judicial-panel-of-inquiry/
About The Author
