The Government of Akwa Ibom State has constituted an 8-man Judicial Panel of Investigation to investigate incidences of police brutality in the State.
This was the outcome of an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council convened, Monday by Governor Udom Emmanuel to discuss urgent matters of national concern, as it affects the state.
The judicial panel has Retired Justice Ifiok Ukana as Chairman, while the Secretary of the Committee is Mfon Edemekong (Esq) representing the Ministry of Justice.
Other members of the investigative panel include, Manti Umoh, representing the Civil society organization and protesters, Mr. Harris Udoh Representative of Civil Society Organization, Barr. Bassey Essien CP(Rtd), a Senior Retired Police Officer, Barr. Omen Bassey ,Youth representative, Comrade Aniedi Michael, National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students, NAAKISS Worldwide President -Student leader, and Tony Iji, representing National Human rights Commission.
A statement issued by the secretary to the state government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem indicates that the investigative panel will be inaugurated on Tuesday by the Governor at the State Executive Council Chambers by 5pm.
According to government’s statement, the panel is guided by 3 terms of reference which are; Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human rights violation and related extra judicial killings; Evaluate evidence presented /other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints;and
to recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.
The duration of the Panel shall be for three months in the first instance.
“While the state government commends protesters for peaceful conduct, it however cautioned against politicization of the protest.
The statement reads in part, “Today, His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel summoned an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council of the Akwa Ibom State Government to discuss urgent matters of national concern, affecting our state.
“Taking the center stage was the #ENDSARS protest, which the council deliberated exhaustively and arrived at the following decisions:
That the clamour for humane and responsible policing by Nigerian youths is a germane demand which must be listened to and addressed.
That the youths in Akwa Ibom state who partook in the protests in Uyo have conducted same peacefully and with great respect for the individual rights of other citizens and they deserve commendation.
That the demand for documentation of victims and incidences of police brutality in our state, is important and necessary for future actions.
That as a responsible government, we hereby constitute a Judicial Panel of Investigation to investigate incidences of Police brutality in Akwa Ibom State.
“Council cautioned against the politicization or hijack of the protests and urged all citizens to commit the country to prayers and engage in activities and discourse that will magnify our unity and minimize our differences.
“This is not the time for exhibition of disposition capable of causing conflagration in any part of our country”.
The duration of the Panel shall be for three months in the first instance.