The Lagos State Government says it has set up a seven man panel of enquiry and restitution for victims of SARS related Abuses.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this at the Lagos House, Marina, while briefing newsmen on the attack on #EndSARS protesters by armed hoodlums in Alausa area of the State on Thursday morning.
The State had earlier announced a 200 million naira compensation fund for victims.
The Governor said the panel would work for a period of six month in the first instance and urged those with complaints relating to police brutality to contact the panel which would start sitting from Monday next week.
According to the Governor, the establishment of the panel is in line with the five-point demands of the protesting youths which the National Economic Council sub committee, the Governors’ forum and the Federal Government have agreed to implement
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that the judicial panel of enquiry would be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, with human rights and Civil societies representatives and a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police as members while a slot has been left for the youths to nominate a representative.
“Other members are: Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society); Rtd. DIG Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of
Police); Ms Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society); Mr. Segun Awosanya (Human Rights Activist); Mrs. Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Mediation Center); as well as a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
We will also be setting up a help desk for the complaints, and petitions to the panel. As from next week, you can reach the help desk on the following numbers: 0901 051 3203; 09010513204 and 09010513205” He said
Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that four officers arrested for misconduct earlier in the week at Area C Command in Surulere; Inspectors Bagou Michael, Ekpoudom Etop, Sergeants Nnamdi Majura and Akinyemi Benson were currently facing orderly room trial and would be disciplined appropriately.
On the attack on peaceful protesters, Governor Sanwo-Olu restated that no Government official was responsible for the attack and urged the youths to give Government time to implement the reforms which they have been demanding for.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said “What we need now, and ask for, is for you to sheath your swords, and give us a chance, as Federal and State Governments, to consolidate on these actions being promptly taken to address your concerns. Even as we affirm the constitutional rights of all protesters to
peacefully make your grievances known, it is also our duty as a government to ensure that the exercise of one set of rights by one group of people does not in any way constrain the rights of any other group of people”
He said the State had recorded fatalities due to blockage of key roads and worsening traffic situations caused by the protests while many businesses and people have also recorded economic losses.
The Governor also revealed that there has been a spike in the number of positive COVID 19 cases in the state in the last few days and urged the protesting youths to protect themselves and their loved ones by halting the protests so that the progress recorded in the fight against COVID-19 over the last six months would not be lost.
The driver of the BRT bus allegedly involved in the attack, Mr Olajide Mayowa also narrated his experience and debunked the rumour that the bus was used to convey the attackers.
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