The Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa has described the #EndSARS protest as a national emergency.
Governor Okowa stated this on Monday following the inauguration of a judicial panel of enquiry that should look into cases of police brutality in the State.
The Governor stressed that the terms of reference of the judicial panel of enquiry were straightforward, but that the work ahead will be quite demanding.
“With my inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry on Police Brutality and Extra-Judicial Killings today in Asaba, we have now started the process of bringing restitution and healing for the families and individuals that have suffered under the now-disbanded #SARS.
“Over the past week, the world has watched as Nigeria’s youth have laid their simple demand at the doors of leaders across the nation. With two words: ‘#EndSARS’, our youth have drawn attention to the brutality meted out on them by those who are sworn to serve and protect.
“This is why, today, in-line with my administration’s commitment to always listen and act, we are establishing this judicial panel to investigate all complaints of police brutality and extrajudicial killings across Delta State.
“The terms of reference of this committee are straightforward, but the work ahead will be quite demanding. However, I still charged the committee to work assiduously to ascertain the validity of all complaints and make recommendations on the appropriate compensation and remedies.
“Make no mistake, this is a national emergency that requires us to meet an urgent demand. Therefore, this panel has been given an initial period of 3-months to complete its work and submit a report. I pray that God guides all the members of the panel as they embark on this crucial assignment,” Okowa stated.