Obaseki sets up judicial panel on #ENDSARS protests

The statement said the panel was established in response to the yearnings of Nigerian youths, as articulated in the demands of the #ENDSARS protesters. According to the statement, membership of the panel includes Hon Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe (Chairperson), Bishop Feb Idahosa, (Clergy), Mr. Francis Osayi(ASUU representative); Comrade Osahon Obasuyi (NYC representative); Prest Aigbokhian (representative of Civil Society) and Mrs Uloaku Uzamere (NCWS representative). Others are: Comrade Pius Efofan (NANS representative), Pius Okpere (#representative of EndSARS Movement), Comrade Kola Edokpayi (#representative of EndSARS Movement), Mrs Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice);Representative of security forces and 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.
• 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 recurrences in the future.
• To make any other recommendations to government in furtherance of the mandate of this Committee.

The panel has 90 days to complete this assignment with all hearings to be open to the general public. The statement advised interested persons  to send their complaints, petitions and suggestions to the Committee.

“The Edo State government fully ascribes 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 realize 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”, the state said.