The Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Wednesday inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry.
The panel was set up to address the demands of the end SARS protesters and to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality and/or related extra judicial killings in the state.
Inaugurating the panel at the Government House, Ugwuanyi revealed that setting up the panel is in response to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo’s directive.
“The Vice President had directed an immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country, hence this inauguration,” Ugwuanyi disclosed.
The panel’s terms of reference, according to the Governor, are to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances and to draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and recommend compensations and other remedial measures.
During the inauguration, Ugwuanyi enjoined Enugu youths to have faith in the process and remain calm as the outcome will certainly soothe our pain.
“Ndi Enugu, we reiterate our faith in the Nigeria project and our commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria that holds hope, justice, freedom and equal opportunities for every Nigerian, especially the youth, irrespective of religious bent or ethnic distinction,” Ugwuanyi said.
In his response on behalf of members of the panel, the Chairman, Hon. Justice Ude thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy to serve in this onerous and very important assignment.
Ude then promised, “The panel will do her best to address the inherent issues to the satisfaction of the public, especially the protesting youths”.
Members of the panel include Hon. Justice Kingsley Ude (Rtd) as Chairman; Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo Director of Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), Comrade Osmond Ugwu; these members represents the Civil Society Organizations.
Other members of the panel include ACP Ikechukwu Odokoro (Rtd) Assistant Commissioner of Police; Charles Ogbu representative of the youths; Comrade Stephen Ani Student Union President, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN); Dr. Valentine Ekeoma Madubuko State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Enugu State office, and Barr. Onochie Ngwu Obuna, representative of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Obuna serves as secretary of the panel.
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