…NBA, FIDA To Offer Free Services.
BY OKHIDE EM’YA DAVID
Judicial panel of inquiry set up by the Government of Edo State to investigate complaints of brutality by security agents, human rights violations, extra-judicial killings and other related matters has received nine petitions in its maiden sitting .
Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe, while speaking to newsmen in Benin City, said that the Committee will be fair, equitable as well as ensure justice for all Parties in the discharge of its duties.
Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe advised that Petitions should reach the panel on or before the 29th of November 2020,.
She directed that physical submission of petitions and oral lodging of complaints shall be at the Civic Centre between Block C and Block D, new Secretariat Complex, opposite EFCC Office, Benin City, Edo State between 10a.m and 4p.m on working days.
She clarified that the Committee will take petition from the three Senatorial districts of the State despite holding its sitting in Benin City.
Ehigiamusoe stated that the sitting will be open to all the parties and the panel is at liberty to summon anyone and undertake assessment to any part of the State on a fact-finding mission in the cause of investigation.
She said the panel will receive petitions and complaints between and sit Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“We have to work on facts and not here say.
“We know that there are a lot of evidence. It is so painful to have your person killed. But, you can’t go on a wild goose chase. There must be something connecting whoever is involved. We are not afraid of anybody.
“You can’t just hold a mob at the scene of crime without a concrete evidence. It is a sensitive thing. A lot of sentiments are attached because a lot of persons lost their young ones”, she said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin branch and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Edo State are to offer free legal representation (probono) to victims of human rights abuses at the panel.
Chairman of NBA, Benin branch, Mr. Pius Oiwoh who described members of the Panel as persons of proven integrity, expressed confidence that the panel will perform its duties well.
He also condemned alleged attacks on some security personnel and arson during EndSARS protest and cases of vandalism in some parts of the State.
NBA promised to provide support to the panel not only as Observers, but play the role of probono in accordance with the directive of the national body of the association.
“We have already issued notices to members of NBA who are willing to offer their free services…We will continue to keep fate and hope alive.”
In the same vein, the Publicity Secretary of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA, Edo State branch Mrs. Florence Okundaye, has expressed optimism that the Panel of inquiry will deliver on its mandate and pledged the support of the association.
It would be recalled that Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki had on October 26, 2020 inaugurated a 20-man Committee to be chaired by Retired Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe while Mrs. Joyce Ugbodaga is Secretary to the body.
Other members of the Panel include Bishop Feb Idahosa, (Clergy); Francis Osayi, (ASUU); Comrade Osahon Obasuyi (NYC); Priest Aigbokhian (Civil Society); Mrs. Uloaku Uzamere (NCWS); Comrade Pius Efofan (NANS); Pius Okpere (#End SARS); Comrade Kola Edokpayi (#EndSARS) and Mrs. Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice).
Others on the Panel are Ovenseri Otamere Esq. (NBA); Ogbidi Eromosele Godwin (#EndSARS); A. B. Thomas Esq. (Muslim); Representative of security forces; Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen (#EndSARS); Iyamu Osaro Culture (#EndSARS); Comrade Kelly Omokaro Osunbor (#EndSARS); Abraham Oviawe (#EndSARS) and Ralph Okhiria (NUJ).
The terms of reference of the Panel are “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.”
They are also “to advise on compensation or restitution to the victims, or- where the victim has been killed – to the family of the victim, based on conditions which shall be clearly laid out by the Committee; and to ensure that compensation is paid within 14 days of the decision to compensate.”
