Bayelsa inaugurates panels on police brutality, human rights

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has inaugurated the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and the Special Security and Human Rights Committee.

He constituted both panels last week in response to the demands of the #EndSARS protesters when he addressed them in front of the Government House penultimate weekend.

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At the inauguration ceremony, which was held inside the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Diri expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the demonstrators in the state.

The governor noted that they were peaceful and mature in making their demands without any violence, but decried the criminal aspects of the protests in parts of the country.

He stated that he immediately adopted the demands of the protesters as a sign of his commitment towards a speedy resolution of the issues raised and promised to support the panels to succeed.

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He charged the members to do a thorough job, noting that with the calibre of persons in the panels justice would be served.

Diri said, “The EndSARS protests have swept round our country. Lately, the criminal part of it was noticed. However, in our dear state, Bayelsa, the protesters have been civil, calm and very peaceful.

“During the protest, they demanded the setting up of these panels that we inaugurated today. I adopted all of their demands on behalf of the government of Bayelsa State.”

The terms of reference of the panel of inquiry on police brutality are to receive cases of alleged brutality by the police and any other security agencies; evaluate the validity of the information received; and make recommendations for the compensation of victims if any.

Members of the judicial panel of inquiry are retired Justice Young Ogola (Chairman), Mr Alaowei Opokuma (Secretary), retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Arthur Andaowei, representatives of civil society – Mr Fortune Alfred and Miss Pereladei Demanche.

Others are Mr Gosel Newman of the National Human Rights Commission and chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Samuel Numonengi.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, replaced Diri as chairman of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo, as secretary.

The state police commissioner, Mr Mike Okoli, the State Director of the Department of State Services, Mr A.A. Mahmoud, Special Adviser 1 to the Governor on Security, Mr Akpoebi Agberebi, the SA 2 on Security, Mr Ingobiowei Awoikiega, Mr Alaowei Opokuma, Mr Eugene Baadom and Dr Ayebakuro Mathew will all serve as members.

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