Our correspondent reports that Justice Sa’ad Mohammed (retired) is the chairman, while Abdulsalam Kumo, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions is the Secretary of the commission.

Mr Caleb Ubale, the special adviser to the governor on Legal Matters is to serve as counsel to the commission.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya while inaugurating the commission on Saturday in Gombe, said that the members were carefully chosen based on their integrity.

According to him, the aim of setting up the commission is to look into allegations of human rights abuses by the dissolved SARS and other police units.

He mandated the commission to welcome allegations from May 29, 2019, stressing that the timeframe was necessary to “enable us account for actions taken under our leadership for the purpose of finding mistakes and to make amends.”

He gave the commission eight terms of reference which included receiving and investigating complaints of human rights violations from victims or families of victims and members of the public for allegations against SARS and other police units.

“Identify personnel of the disbanded SARS and other police units responsible for violating human rights of any person and recommending appreciate punishments and compensation to victims,” among others.

According to Yahaya, the commission has six months from today to submit its report, while expressing the hope that the report will help rebuild public confidence in security agencies in the state and country.

The governor said that the police were playing a big role in the preservation of law and order.

Yahaya, however, noted that complaints of human rights abuses, extortion and extrajudicial actions had put a huge dent on the Nigeria Police Force, adding “human rights abuses and extrajudicial actions have no place in a genuine democracy.”

While urging members of the public to approach the commission with their genuine complaints involving human rights violations, the governor warned against any attempt to use the opportunity for personal gains.

“The exercise should not be used as an avenue to witch-hunt security personnel or settle personal scores,” he warned.

Responding on behalf of members of the commission, , Justice Mohammed (retired) thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them to carry out the task and pledged to put in their best in discharging the task.

“We will keep an open mind while discharging our duty to ensure justice is served in the interest of peace for the state and country,” the chairman said.

The members of the commission were drawn from Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, Youth Council of Nigeria, Legal Field, Civil Society Organisations and Students’ Union.

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The PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, on Friday said that such clarity would boost the morale of officers.

Our correspondent reports that Sanwo-Olu has been on tour of different facilities and investments affected by the violence and arson that trailed the #EndSARS protests, including the police command in Ikeja.

The governor had assured police of support and compensation for officers affected in the violence.

Gani said PDP was not comfortable with Sanwo-Olu’s choice of not stating clearly his compensations for the officers who got injured or killed during the #EndSars protests when he visited the command.

“The party opines that the governor’s compensations for the officers should have been announced clearly to reboost the morale of other officers.

“The party has the example of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who gave N20 million to each of the families who lost their relatives.

“The governor has appeared miserly, even when he has budgeted N1 trillion for the exercise,” the PDP spokesman said.

Gani said that the governor ought to state his plans for children of police officers who lost their lives on the line of duty during the mayhem that trailed #EndSARS protests in Lagos.

He added: “Similarly, the PDP has asked the governor to take responsibility for welfare of the children who have been directed to resume school on Monday.

“The party opines that another week should have been allowed to perfectly restore orderliness in the state.”

Gabi urged the governor to be more sensitive to the plights of the people.

It was also reported that Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday announced scholarship up to university level to children of policemen, who died in Lagos during the violence and also promised to compensate their families.

He promised to build burnt police stations and give life insurance for officers when he visited the Command Headquarters in Ikeja to boost the morale of officers.

It was reported that 29 Divisional Police Stations and 17 Police Posts were razed by hoodlums who hijacked the protests, while six police officers were lynched, 36 critically injured and 71 police operational vehicles were torched.

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Our correspondent reports that the nine-man Judicial Panel headed by Justice Doris Okuwobi (Rtd) saw the bullet shell casings on Friday during a visit to the scene as part of its investigations into the incident.

Earlier in the day, the panel had left the venue of its sitting at the International Court of Arbitration, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos , to visit the Tollgate plaza scene of the shootings.

Also in attendance were : Mr Abayomi Omomuwa, the Managing Director of the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) and Mr Gbolahan Agboluwaje, the Head of the Legal Department of LCC and the media.

Some five bullet casings were seen on the floor, inside the gutter and the stairs of the Tollgate plaza by people present there.

Omomuwa, during the visit, told the panel that the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras mounted on a mast at the toll gate area was working during the shootings.

He, however, noted that though the footage of the happenings of Oct. 20 had been captured by the CCTV, it is currently not working due to damage caused by hoodlums during the carnage of Oct. 21.

On the panel’s return to the venue of its proceedings, Justice Okuwobi said that the panel had made observations and had asked questions at the scene.

She said that subsequent proceedings could not continue because the the Managing Director of the LCC had no legal representation.

She also noted that the panel had not admitted the Oct. 20 footage as evidence and when it is admitted in evidence, it will be played at the proceedings.

The proceedings were adjourned until Nov. 3 for the testimony to be given by the MD of the LCC.

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Dr Muda Yusuf, Director-General of LCCI, said that the fair which was scheduled to hold from Nov.5 to Nov. 15, 2020 has been rescheduled for between Dec. 4 to Dec. 13, 2020 at the Tafawa
Balewa Square, Lagos; both physically and virtually simultaneously.

Yusuf in a statement on Thursday also said that the postponement was occasioned by the economic disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent #EndSARS protests across the nation.

“The resolve to hold the 2020 edition of the fair is in line with the need for quick restoration of normalcy to the economic and commercial activities in Lagos State and our support for the ongoing ‘Protect Lagos’ Campaign.

“In addition to the general interest fair, the annual international business expo will also feature special days for corporate organisations to showcase their inventions, innovations, and sustainability initiatives simultaneously during the fair.

“The focus, this year, is to facilitate trade and chart a way forward for the economy to exit the impending recession.

“The exhibition will also facilitate networking among exhibitors and between exhibitors and visitors.

“The fair is expected to attract a huge traffic of visitors seeking to take advantage of the networking opportunities and discounted prices.

“Corporate organisations including: multinational corporations, indigenous conglomerates and financial institutions as well as corporate organisations from the West African Subregion had indicated their interests to participate at the exhibition,” he said.

Yusuf also stated that relevant agencies and departments of the government would be available to exhibit and attend to other exhibitors and visitors.

He added that agencies that had confirmed attendance to provide information and educate exhibitors and visitors are : the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).

“So far, so good, the excitement that the fair has generated has been phenomenal and we are, indeed, happy about our strategic partnership with our stakeholders,” he said.

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Mr Rasaq Salami, NAICOM’s Head, Commissioner for Insurance Directorate, told our reporter in Abuja on Thursday, that the commission would await complaints from policyholders arising from the EndSARS protests.

According to him, situations like this underscore the importance of adequate and appropriate insurance.

Salami said that the insurance industry was gradually and steadily shifting from that era of poor claims payment to adequately honouring their obligations.

He stressed the need for both government and individuals to adequately insure all their assets and liabilities.

“What has happened is very unfortunate and sad. We all know that the losses are heavy and a lot of financial resources are required to replace all that has been lost.

“Because of the sensitivity of this EndSARS issue, NAICOM is going to take keen interest in it and await any claims complaint that will come from it.

“The industry is now aware of the benefits to them as operators when they honour their obligation because when you do, it becomes easier for you to get the other party to come and insure.

“I deliberately stressed adequate and appropriate because there are policies that the insured go into that are limited, some do not cover anything.

“When you have your risks and you disclose it and it is appropriately priced and the appropriate premium is paid, with genuine insurance companies through NAICOM’s registered insurance brokers or direct with the insurance companies, it means that when a situation of loss occurs, claims payment is guaranteed.

“A lot of buildings have been destroyed, both public and private buildings, as well as vehicles.

“In most cases, these destructions came about from acts of riots.

“Riots do not stand alone as insurance policy, they are sometimes tied to fire insurance which is an addition, so that is why I talked about adequate and appropriate insurance.

“Because if there is a fire insurance and there is no endorsement that covers riots, destructions, losses occasioned by riots, when they happen, you are not likely to get compensation,’’ he explained.

Salami advised prospective policy holders to employ the services of insurance brokers to educate them on the appropriate policies to undertake before insuring properties.

Also speaking, Mr Ganiyu Musa, the Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), told our reporter that members of the association would pay valid claims of policyholders.

“We know that the loss of life is a bigger calamity because it is not replaceable but at a time like this, all our thoughts and prayers are to the people that lost their loved ones.

“Every other thing can be replaced. Insurance is a contract, so the policy you buy may be different from mine and these policies have details of what is covered and what is not.

“Where it is discovered that one has paid his premium, then you do not have anything to fear. It is a big, huge loss,’’ he said.

An Insurance Consultant, Mr Ekerete Gam-Ikon, said that the implication of the damages done to both private and public properties could be viewed from the law and development of the economy.

Gam-Ikon stressed the need to strengthen the insurance industry through patronage to enable it work during losses.

“Until we understand that, the purpose of insurance is to make the economy resilient and not to give money to some people or help an industry, we will keep going one step forward and five steps back,’’ he said.

Similarly, the management of Coronation Insurance (formerly Wapic Insurance), said it had put in place a claims response platform for real-time communication and easy sharing of loss evidence, to fast track claims processing.

Other insurance companies like AIICO Insurance Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance (CHI), the Universal Insurance Plc, had also assured policyholders of their prompt response to claims.

It was recalled that private and public properties worth billions of naira were destroyed by hoodlums across the country during the recent EndSARS protests.

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The Command’s Spokesman, Abdullahi Hussaini, said in a statement on Thursday that the seizures were made along Seme-Badagry expressway between Oct. 12 and Oct. 27.

Hussaini said that a total of 561 items were seized within two weeks of the protest, indicating that the command’s anti-smuggling operation was fully on ground during the EndSARS.

“They are 396 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 152 x 25 Jerry cans of petrol, six 25 litres of vegetable oil and seven units of smuggled vehicles.

“The seized items have a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth millions naira,” he said.

The customs spokesman described as “untrue” a media report that smugglers were having a field day along Mile 2 – Seme border road during the protest.

“The story alleged that officers of Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command and other Security agencies vacated Seme-Badagry road for fear of being attacked by Hoodlums and #EndSARS protesters.

“This, thereby, creating free access for smugglers to perpetrate their unpatriotic act.

“This is untrue as our anti-smuggling officers and other security operatives were fully on ground during this period,” the customs spokesman said.

He appealed to members of the public to disregard the publication ” that was built based on fallacy.

“This story may affect the morale of officers who, during day and night, risk their lives to protect our borders.

“To this end, the command will continue to enforce Federal Government fiscal policies, provide professional and quality service that will enhance development of the country at large,” he said.

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Our correspondent reports that banks in Abakaliki closed for business on Monday, when the protest assumed a violent dimension, with the torching of private and public property.

Our correspondent who visited some automated teller machines (ATMs) in the city, reports that they were not dispensing cash, an indication that they were not loaded with cash.

It was learnt that banks decided not to open to public to avoid being attacked by hoodlums.

The protesters razed down the Central Police Station, Onuebonyi and destroyed public buildings as well as private and public vehicles in the city.

It was also reported that major roads in Abakaliki were on Tuesday barricaded by security operatives deployed to strategic locations in the city to help bring the situation under control.

Meanwhile, a cross-section of the residents has decried the alleged hijack of the otherwise peaceful EndSARS protest by suspected hoodlums.

Speaking in separate interviews they called on the security agencies to take immediate steps to bring the crisis to an end.

A bank customer, Mrs Grace Okome, said that the protest had lost its essence and now posed serious threat to the nation’s economy and security.

“Look at how we are suffering. Even in your street, you are not safe. Crime is now on the increase.

“The worse now is that there is no money because the banks are not working and one cannot withdraw money through the ATMs.

“The violent protest has done more evil than good to the people. Everybody is frustrated.

“Even when you have the money, it’s still difficult to buy anything because of the high cost of commodities in the market,” Okome said.

Also, Mr Chimaobi Okafor, regretted that he could not withdraw money to meet his needs because the ATMs were unable to dispense cash.

“I have visited four to five banks but none is working,” he said.

“The protesters are heartless. How can they be destroying private and public property in the name of protest.

“Positive change does not come in an atmosphere of chaos and disorder.

“See how people are suffering. From curfew to where we are now, no access to our own money in the bank.

“Please, they should end the protest to move the state and country forward. The protest has disrupted governance at all levels,” Okafor said.

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Koffi Tha Guru in an interview with our reporter said that the comedy, music and other activities to mark the event were earlier billed for Oct. 28.

“It is with deep regret and respect for those who lost their lives in the #EndSARS protests that we have to postpone the event till it is most convenient to laugh again.

“We take cognisance of the sad development that occurred precisely last week, which is still very fresh in our memories. We are indeed sorry for the inconvenience.

“Besides, there is curfew in town now and we cannot afford to go contrary to the state government’s directive because it will not be convenient for people to make it,” he said.

According to Koffi, the comedy, music and other events showed earlier slated for 6pm would have featured Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka, MC Abbey, Omobaba, Akpororo, Efe Warriboy, MC Shaggy and others.

“It was meant to be a fun-filled and laughter event as veterans and rising stars in the comedy and music sector would have been on ground to entertain the audience,” he added.

Koffi Tha Guru, who is also an Ambassador of Peace, urged all Nigerians to be positive minded and contribute their quota towards national development.

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The PDP disagreed with Sanwo-Olu and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in a statement in Lagos by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Taofik Gani.

Gani accused the Sanwo-Olu-led APC government of “dishonesty and extortionate tendency”.

According to him, the act of inflating and over costing governance in the state has now become spread in the Lagos State Government’s commitment to service delivery.

“Our accusation is coming on the heels of the declaration by the state governor that the state will need N1 trillion to repair the destruction arising from the #EndSars attacks.

“The governor had recently told governors from the South West and ministers that the amount is projected for reconstruction purposes.

“The Lagos PDP believes that such a bogus and hasty amount can only be claimed by persons in government who are likely to benefit from such proceeds.

“The party particularly raises the alarm that the money as projected is targeted at restituting known infrastructure and businesses of APC leaders and not honestly for all genuine victims per se,” he said.

The PDP spokesman, therefore, challenged Sanwo-Olu and the ruling party to make public every kobo and the beneficiaries as envisaged by the governor.

He added: “The trillion naira is bogus and extortionate. We specifically want to know whether the Lekki toll plaza is involved. This plaza should rather be demolished.

“The people will resist any form of approval for levy, over taxation or loan to spend the trillion naira. We put the House of Assembly on the alert to reject any bogus request.”

Our correspondent reports that the #EndSARS protests in Lagos took a violent dimension on Oct. 20 when men in military uniform allegedly shot protesters who defied the curfew at Lekki Toll Gate.

The development sparked violence in Lagos and other states when suspected hoodlums hijacked the protest and began to kill, loot, vandalise and raze public and private buildings and vehicles.

Among the places attacked was the Palace of Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.

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Makinde made this known in Ibadan on Monday during a post-protest meeting held with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state.

The governor urged those who had suffered any form of injustice in the past or as a result of the #EndSARS protests, to take advantage of the platforms provided to log in their cases.

He noted that a Judicial Panel of Enquiry would be inaugurated in the next one week to look into cases of injustice meted out to the people.

“We know that the protests have been a result of anger among youths.

“We are aware of the economic situation, especially the reduced income of many due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also unemployment situation in the country,” he noted.

Makinde said that he had directed that a N500 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Fund be set up.

He said that the fund would be disbursed to youths who had bright entrepreneurial ideas that would provide further employment and improve the economic landscape of Oyo State.

The governor said: “I have directed the employment of 5,000 young persons across all government agency schemes over the next few months.

“The criteria for employment and the dates for assessment will be announced by the agency authorities.

“Going forward, starting from 2021, there will be provisions for the Direct Labour Agency in the budget.

“This will ensure more employment opportunities for residents who have requisite skills when projects are awarded.

“We will be proceeding with the fifth phase distribution of palliatives by the end of this week, having completed the verification of the individuals that are qualified for them.”

The governor gave the people of the state an assurance that his administration would continue to prioritise actions that would have positive impact on the youth.

Speaking on the purpose of the stakeholders’ meeting, Makinde said the meeting was not called to apportion blame or do a post-protest analysis but to chart a way forward by rubbing minds together.

He thanked the people of the state for their cooperation during the #EndSARS protests.

“Even when thugs and hoodlums decided to cause mayhem in some parts of our dear state, some of you stood up and repelled them.

“We had so many people called the 615 Emergency Contact Number because they were not interested in the destruction of lives and property.

“Because of your actions, our losses, both human and material, were minimal,” he said.

He gave an assurance that all criminal elements that engaged in wanton destruction of lives and property would be dealt with.

Makinde urged members of the Nigeria Police working in the state to step up their responsibilities in protecting lives and property.

He noted that trust was low right now but you could quickly regain public trust through your professional conduct.

Our correspondent reports that the DIG South-West Zone, Oyeleye Oyebade and Brig.-Gen. Soji Ogunsugba, Garrison Commander, 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army attended the stakeholders’ meeting.

Others that attended the meeting were the Caretaker Chairmen in the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade; and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Oyetunji attended the meeting.

All the stakeholders condemned the violence, destruction of lives and property that characterised the #EndSARS protests.

They, however, called on government and other authorities to rise up and do the needful for the development of youths.

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