As Judicial Panel of Investigation on Police Brutality begins sitting in Akwa lbom
On October 20, 2020, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel constituted Judicial Panel to investigate police brutality and abuse of rights of Akwa Ibom citizens.
The 8 member Panel headed by Justice Ifiok Ukana (retired), with Mfon Edemekong Esq as Secretary, was subsequently inaugurated on October 26, 2020.
As contained in the terms of reference, the Panel is to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human rights violation and related extra judicial killings; evaluate evidence presented and other surrounding circumstances and draw conclusions as to validity of the complaints; and recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate.
In the light of this, the Panel will begin sitting today, November 16,2020. The victims who suffered directly or indirectly or have their rights violated by the police should be given fair hearing as promised by the Panel.
The victims should equally be sincere in their presentation and shun frivolous allegations against the police in an attempt to get compensation.
The Police on their part, should also put their records right and straight, avoid foot dragging in an attempt to escape justice. Such will only add injury to the wounds in the minds of the victims.
The Panel also has a greater task of evaluating all the complaints and ensuring that all the parties are given fair hearing and compensation recommended.
This will go along way to give credence to the Panel which had earlier stated that it “will approach its responsibility with a high degree of devotion, fear of God and will be considerate and fair but will not give in to sentiments”
Let justice not only be done to all parties but let it be seen done.
