[OPINION] SARS Victims: The Task Ahead of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry

The panel which was borne out of the #EndSARS agitation, a movement to demand justice, end police brutality and of course seek to the prosecution of erring officers as well as take part in the reformation of the Nigeria police force. #EndSARS is one of the movements that will forever be remembered for its contribution in the struggle for liberty and good governance and how it effectively gained the attention and support of countries and prominent persons beyond the shores of Nigeria with the use of social media as a major platform to demand the government to put an end to SARS and as well reform the police amidst other back-up demands.

In as much as it would have been more appropriate to have young legal practitioners who have been part and parcel of this movement taking the front lead in the representation to make demands on behalf of the victims, it is also commendable that there is a prompt recognition for such need and a fast retaliation which ensures that legal practitioners are been apportioned to the various representatives as they take on this service which seemingly might last half a year.

A lot is really expected of the panel especially at this crucial point when this movement has drawn global attention, everyone is keenly waiting for what will be the result of this whole agitations. As to whether it will be just another inconclusive result or a shunned outcry of the citizens and of course ‘for the gram’ doings in which the older generation has heavily labelled this current generation. Be that as it may, the judicial panel of inquiry should prepare its mind to execute with much transparency, diligence an unquenching thirst for justice and the truth as they currently serve as the last hope of a common who seeks justice in the face of unfairness and brutality that have been melted on them by the men of the Nigeria police force.

The judicial panel of inquiry is expected of lots of responsibility as regard sustaining justice for the call to meet the five demands of the end SARS agitators especially those highlighted in item 3,4, and 5 of them now demand as it also applies to item 1,2 and 5 of the short-medium term demand. These responsibilities will require them to ensure that victims get help with needed attention and aid to pen and submit their petition. The judicial panel under an oath sworn to diligently deliver their service must be ready and always available at the panel sittings. The panel is expected to serve with facts rather than assumptions; this is to tell us that they are charged with verifying facts and dealing with nothing but the truth.

It is only realistic enough to also note that there is no emergence without a hardship, hence these panel in days of operation are most likely to be faced with challenges such as funding, personal security/threat. However, there is also a fear that this panel might be played by illegality just like we witnessed the state government asking representatives to swear an oath of secrecy. For a government who could deny involvement in the Lekki massacre, anything unduly and illegal to ensure representatives play to their tune can be played by the government to achieve whatever they want.

The above-mentioned challenges are best apprehended with solutions that will allow for an exit plan should in case the unexpected happens, hence, there should be independent funding for representatives rather than allowing the government to be their source of funding, also there should be the availability of legal team always ready with full support for related challenges that will be faced. Security and safety of persons involved should be well guarded.

As days will begin to pass by under the activities of the set up judicial panel, we do hope the case of police brutality, unlawful arrest, extra-judicial killings, harassment and other defective acts of the police being complained comes to a very minimal range in our country.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rufai Monsurah Jolade, a Human Rights Activist writes from Lagos.

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