By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
The Governor of Ebonyi state Engr. David Nweze Umahi has inaugurated an 8-man committee judicial panel of investigation committee, to help respond to the legal needs of victims of human right abuse to enable them have access to justice.
Gov.Umahi who inaugurated the committee in the new government house, Abakaliki today noted that the committee is mandated to investigate police brutality, human right violation and bring to book prepertrator of human right violation.
He stated that the Committee is to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human rights violations or related extra-judicial killings; evaluate the evidence presented and recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate and submit its report within 6 months of its inauguration.
The former Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Chief Justice Aloy Nwankwo was made the chairman of the committee, with committee secretary as Emmanuel Onwe(Esq.) while the followng members include: a former police officer, AIG Kelvin Opoke (Rtd), Igwe Uche, Olisa Nwuruku, Emmanuel Obasi ,Barr Louisa Nwebonyi and Christopher Okorie .
Adding, “The Judicial Panel shall have powers and authority to hold here which shall be conducted in accordance with the provision of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 29 of Ebonyi State of Nigeria.
“I hereby direct that the Panel shall commence sitting in Abakaliki soon after the they are sworn in and thereafter hold the state inquiry such places and upon such dates and as the Chairman may dim fit.
“I further direct that the chairman of the Committee and the members shall before commencing assignment, shall make and subscribe to an appropriate code under section 6 of the Commission of Inquiry.” He stated.
The Governor also set up Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be headed by himself, in line with the directive of the meeting.
Governor Umahi further ordered that the protest been called off, as the panel of investigation has been inaugurated, he appealled to members of the public to be law abiding while adding that the government has learnt its lesson.
” the #EndSARs lessons have been learnt by we leaders, and we pledge that we are going to make amend” he stated.
He equally set up the Human Rights Complaint office to be headed by Chief Emmanuel Obasi as Ombudusman.