By Osahon Osahon
Eight members of the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other related matters have written a letter to Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressing worry over alleged delay in implementation of its recommendations, two months after the report was submitted to Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The letter dated September 30, 2021, with the title: “Appeal for the mobilization and implementation of the recommendations of the Edo State Judicial Panel of inquiry on police brutality and other related matters #EndSARS”, was also copied to the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and the Chairperson of the panel, Hon. Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe (Rtd).
Recall that Justice Ehigiamusoe had while submitting the report to Governor Obaseki, disclosed that the panel received a total of 170 petitions, struck out 25 for lack of diligence and 10 others were dismissed for lacking in merit.
Governor Obaseki then assured that government would carefully review the report of the panel and ensure that its recommendations were implemented.
The members of the Panel who signed the letter are: Osaro Culture Iyamu, Dr. Usiosefe Ereyimwen, Kelly Omokaro Osunbor, Kola Edokpayi, Ogidi Eromosele Godwin, Pius Effam, Salami David and Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen.
They recalled that the Governor had promised that he would begin the implementation of their recommendations not later than 14 days after its submission, but are surprised that till date, no action has been taken on their recommendations.
The letter reads:
“We bring you greetings in solidarity for genuine progress and wish to use this medium to remind you of your sworn commitment to goodwill.
“May we remind Your Excellency that it is apparently a year since the #EndSARS protest took place, which led to the setting up of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry across the country, to look into all issues that resulted in the subject in reference.
“Sir, it is no longer news that in your usual good spirit, you mobilized one of the most genuine and formidable teams to do justice to the petitions from the victims of police brutality and other related matters as headed by our most respected Hon. Justice Ada EHIGIAMUSOE (Rtd).
“We wish to bring to your notice Sir, and for the sake of emphasis that the feedbacks from the street are beginning to show genuine worries over the rational as to why the reports of the panel is yet to be implemented or attended to, in view of your verbal commitments during the Panel’s inauguration, that the implementation will be at least Fourteen (14) Days after the submission of the report.
“In the light of the above, we wish to appeal that you commence implementation of the report in reference and in other to mitigate public outcry and reinforce the trust in your leadership.”
