The Ekiti State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the allegations of human rights violations against police officers including officers of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has on November 2 commenced sitting
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In his statement at the opening session made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Olawale Fapohunda, appreciated members of the panel for accepting to serve in the panel. He added that government set up the panel to ensure that victims get justice.
“The State Government is aware of public expectations from this Panel. The work of the panel is made no easier by the desire of many of our people to get immediate justice not only for human rights violations of the present but those of the past and in some cases dating back to a decade ago. Even in the face of the enormity of this expectation the state government is determined to ensure that as many as those that appear before this panel get justice.
“This is why we deliberately embarked on a consultative and inclusive process in constituting this panel and determining its terms of reference. It is no coincidence that the panel is made up of representatives from access to justice institutions, professional civil society associations as well as a generous representation of the youth.” he said
Furthermore, Fapohunda explains that the vision of Ekiti State government “transcends the sittings of the panel and its outcomes. It is our expectation that this panel will facilitate a long overdue dialogue and interaction between our youth population as well as government and non-government justice institutions. We firmly believe that a deep understanding of the workings of our justice institution must be a necessary deliverable in responding to the demands of the Ekiti State chapter of the ENDSARS agitations.”
He expressed regret that many people fear going to court or police stations for justice because our justice system “appear intimidating”.
However, “even before the ENDSARS protests, the state government had began a painstaking process of bringing justice to our people in all parts of Ekiti State. Within the Ministry of Justice, we are simplifying our systems and processes. We are creating multiple channels for dealing with rights violations. In particular we have worked on improving our response time to human rights complaints by strengthening the Directorate of Citizens Rights and the office of the Public Defender.” he said
He added that, “We have enabled policies and legislations that seek to ensure that persons who come into conflict with the law are dealt with speedily and efficiently. In particular we have embarked on a holistic review of the Criminal Code Law of Ekiti State in order to achieve a criminal law that affirms the rights of defendants to human dignity without eschewing our commitment to fight crime in all its ramifications.
“We recognize that our criminal justice system more often than not places emphasis on the offender to the detriment of victims of crime or abuse. We are working to reverse this. The Ekiti State Governments Victims Charter commits the State Government to recognizing victims of crime as a crucial party in the justice system.”
Fapohunda stated that the governor of the state, Fayemi, has directed that efforts be made for all those living in the state to be aware of the justice services provided by the state government and how they can access them. They are now trying to find innovative ways of using technology and social media to improve their efficiency and outreach.
He said the terms of reference of the Ekiti State Judicial Panel of Inquiry is designed in such a way that the victims of police abuse including abuse from the now disbanded SARS should be heard without prejudice to the rights of police officers some of who themselves have been victims of violence to be heard.
Also, according to him, the mandate of the panel covers all persons who have been victims of the ENDSARS protests specifically from individuals who hid under the legitimate protesters to maim, rob and rape innocent citizens.
He emphasize that the panel is not putting police into trial neither is it inquiring into police as an institution, rather, it is aimed at seeking justice for people who have suffered injustice
The statement reads in part:
“Let me restate for emphasis that the Nigerian Police is not on trial at this panel. Indeed this is not an inquisition into the Nigerian Police as an institution. It will be tragic if all officers of the Nigerian Police are tarred with the same brush. Certainly in Ekiti State we have had the pleasure of being served by police officers who are professional to the core and who continue to serve the people of Ekiti State with distinction and honour. Our focus is to seek justice and where necessary remedial measures for all of our people who have suffered injustice and violence and hold perpetrators to account.
“The State Government has taken a number of measures to enhance the workings of the panel. Mr. Governor has deployed the entire message transmitting institutions in the state to inform our people about the existence of this panel. The Ministry of Justice is waiting and ready to take over and prosecute matters that may be referred for prosecution or compensation.
“We also recognise that for some of the complainants relieving the experience of violence and abuse may be a stressful exercise. This is why we have made available to the panel the services of a wide range of medical services including mental health counselors. State Counsel from the Directorate of Citizens Rights and the office of the Public Defender will also be available through out the sittings of the panel to provide legal support and advise to indigent complainants.
“It only now remains for me to say that the State Government looks forward to the outcome of proceedings in this panel. It is our hope that the panel will give succor to as many that come here in search of justice and accountability. May I therefore wish Your Lordship and members of the panel a productive tenure in the service of the people of Ekiti State.”
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