Some of the notable names who
promoted the protest against police brutality, in line with the tagline
#EndSARS, have reacted to the report of the Lagos state inquiry panel into the
October 20, 2020 shooting incident at the Lekki toll-gate.
The panel report, which unsettled
government at both the Federal and state levels, found that both the Nigerian
Army and police shot and killed unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
In a statement made available by
Oduala Olorunrinu, popularly known as Rinu, they said the report by the Lagos
State Judicial Panel of Inquiry is a crucial first step in the right direction.
According to the promoters, the value of the report will only be realized when the government takes steps in good faith to ensure transparency and accountability in implementing its recommendations.
“It is important to note that
Lagos State’s JPI report is just one of the many that are expected,” the
statement said.
“In response to our #5for5
demands, on October 15, 2020 the National Executive Council (NEC) mandated all
state governments to set up Judicial Panels of Inquiry on Police Brutality and
other Related Offences.
“One year and 2,791 petitions
later, 7 states – Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara – have
refused to set up panels; 6 states have completed sittings and submitted
reports (Ekiti, Ondo & Bayelsa are publicly available); 18 states have
completed sittings but not submitted reports; 3 states have suspended sittings
indefinitely; Kogi inaugurated its Panel but has not had any sittings, and the
sitting in Abuja is ongoing.
“We are using this opportunity to
reiterate our demands for justice and remind the Nigerian state of its
constitutional responsibility,” the statement added.
Read full statement below:
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promoter Rinu
The 309-paged report by the Lagos
State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related
Abuses and Other Matters (JPI Report) is a crucial first step in the right
direction, with a long journey to go.
The presentation of the JPI
report by the panel to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, marks
a significant milestone; however, the value of the report will only be realized
when the government takes steps in good faith to ensure transparency and
accountability in implementing its recommendations.
The Justice Okuwobi-led panel has
gone a long way in acknowledging the pain of Nigerian citizens, who have been
left scarred for years by traumatic experiences at the hands of the country’s
security agencies. Crucially, the report also confirmed the reality of the
Lekki Toll Gate Massacre, by naming verified victims, deceased and living, who
suffered an inhumane, horrific act of human rights abuse, being shot at by the
same security agents sworn to protect us as they peacefully protested for
justice.
It is important to note that
Lagos State’s JPI report is just one of the many that are expected. In response
to our #5for5 demands, on October 15, 2020 the National Executive Council (NEC)
mandated all state governments to set up Judicial Panels of Inquiry on Police
Brutality and other Related Offences. One year and 2,791 petitions later, 7
states – Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara – have refused to
set up panels; 6 states have completed sittings and submitted reports (Ekiti,
Ondo & Bayelsa are publicly available); 18 states have completed sittings
but not submitted reports; 3 states have suspended sittings indefinitely; Kogi
inaugurated its Panel but has not had any sittings; and the sitting in Abuja is
ongoing.
We are using this opportunity to
reiterate our demands for justice and remind the Nigerian state of its
constitutional responsibility as stated in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999
Nigerian Constitution (as amended) – … “the security and welfare of the people
shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Furthermore, what is deeply
disturbing is the fact that these cases of police brutality, extortion, and
harassment have continued to rise significantly in the country, as some police
officers continue to act with impunity, searching phones with slaps and
beatings, torturing and extorting young people amongst other heinous crimes.
The #EndSARS movement has dutifully observed these trends and reiterates that
it is the Nigerian government’s obligation to protect and defend its citizens
and urgent action MUST be taken at all levels and by all elected/appointed
officials to ensure that this responsibility is executed and prioritized.
We therefore expect that the
federal and state governments will act in good faith and urgently ensure that
the following recommendations which are in line with the NEC’s directive, and
corroborated by the JPI Report are implemented:
The state governments in Lagos
and the other 18 states are to ensure that the reports of the Panels are
finalized and all made public.
All persons indicted in the
reports are duly prosecuted and punished, and any compensation recommended is
paid in full to all victims and their families.
As directed by NEC, all state
governments proceed to set up human rights committees to conclude with other
cases and ongoing issues with the first order of business being investigation
into the unlawful incarceration of #EndSARS peaceful protesters in Lagos,
Abuja, Oyo and other states.
While we recognize that the
Nigeria Police Force is a federal institution, Lagos State has become an
extremely problematic hotspot and so many cases of police extortions are being
reported daily via the media. The Lagos State government must live up to its responsibility
to protect its residents and set up an effective and well-publicized process
for reporting, documenting and investigating any further incidents of
unauthorised action and brutality by any representatives of the police or other
law enforcement agencies. At the very least, we request that a central registry
(preferably digital) be set up by the Lagos State government into which
citizens can report such incidents, and the Attorney General of the state in
collaboration with appropriate officers of the Police Service Commission take
steps to ensure a monthly review and accelerated action against offending
officers.
Clear action to fulfil all
promises made regarding police reform. The Police Service Commission should
fulfill its mandate and provide a detailed reform strategy with timelines and
milestones to improve the remuneration, welfare, training and working
conditions of police officers to enable collaboration by civil society
organisations and accountability by the government to its commitments.
Lastly, it is imperative that an
acknowledgment, and a sincere apology by the state and federal government is
received by the victims of police brutality and military oppression in Nigeria
at large, and specifically the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre. A memorial of this
horrific occurrence must also be installed at the Lekki Toll Gate, to forever
mark the memory of the deceased, and honor their martyrdom.
This will be a clear indication
that the government is ready to work to reform the police, put an end to the brutality
suffered by citizens, and begin the process of healing that the country so
desperately needs.
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