Lawan announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

He said the NASS would also ensure that the government fulfils the commitment it has made to the youths agitating for police reform and good governance.

“I want to re-assure our youths that the NASS will collaborate with the Executives to ensure justice for victims of misconduct and rights abuses by personnel of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police.

“In the same vein, to discourage impunity, we will insist that the perpetrators of the alleged abuses be prosecuted and sanctioned as appropriate.

“We will also work with the Executive to ensure that the five-point demands of the #ENDSARS protesters, which the government has committed itself to, are fully implemented.

“In the unfortunate hijack of the protests, hoodlums unleashed horrifying violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of public and private property in the country,’’ the statement read in part.

According to Lawan, NASS is fully committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the Police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.

“As we seek a path out of this regrettable crisis, my heart goes out to the victims of the reprehensible violence and criminality witnessed in the last few days in many parts of the country.

“I send my condolences to the families of our security and law enforcement agents who have made the supreme sacrifices in the course of their service to their fatherland.

“I call for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that we have witnessed in the past few weeks with a view to bringing to justice all those elements that have callously destroyed public and private properties.’’

The president of the senate also urged the youths, across the country, to join hands with the authorities in bringing an urgent cessation to the violence.

“I call on our patriotic youths to leave the streets as the government has heard their voices and addressing their grievances to avoid unwittingly providing covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in our midst.’’

On those criminal elements unleashing terror on our cities under the guise of the protest, Lawal urged the security agencies to restore law and order across the country and bring the criminals to justice.

In restoring law and order, he charged the security agencies to do it with the utmost restraint.

“While still grappling with the havoc of COVID-19, the country can ill afford yet another epidemic that has now appeared in the form of the lawlessness that is going on.

“I thank all Nigerian leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians for their interventions towards restoring peace and order after the unfortunate degeneration of the protest into chaos and brigandage in many parts of the country.

“In particular, I thank all Nigerians for their patience and understanding in this trying moment in our dear country.

“I thank you all for your wise counsel to the protesting youths to embrace peace and for the government to be open and sincere in addressing the issues that the youths have raised so clearly,’’ Lawal said.

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This was made known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by Paulinus Nsirim, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications.

The statement, which was made available to our reporter, named Justice C. Uriri (Rtd) and Dr. George Nwaek as Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

Other members of the commission are Mrs Florence Amiesimaka of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Tonye Ibisiki of the Nigerian Bar Association; Karl Chinedu Uchegbu, Civil Society Organisation; Chijioke Ihunwo, representing a Youth Group; Rev. Richard Opara, Religious Group; Mrs Bella Ebeku, Women’s Group and Somiete Inko-Tariah, Counsel to the Commission.

The statement said that members of the Commission will be sworn in on Oct. 22 at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House in Port Harcourt at 12 noon.

In another statement, Governor Wike approved the appointments of Chief Ernest Chinwo and Mr Kelvin Ebiri as General Manager, Rivers Newspaper Corporation, and Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor, respectively.

The statement said that all the appointments are with immediate effect.

Chinwo was Thisday Newspaper Bureau Chief in Rivers state before his appointment.

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This was contained in a statement signed by his Director-General on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.

“The Katsina State Commission of Enquiry Law, Cap 29, empowers the Governor to constitute such a commission as and when the need arises,” Labaran said.

He explained that the constitution of the judicial commission follows the order by President Muhammadu Buhari directing the disbandment of SARS and the investigation of its alleged excesses and extra-judicial activities.

“That (alleged excesses) attracted persistent criticism, leading to the ongoing protests and counter-protests in some parts of the country,” he said.

Labaran revealed that the commission has Justice Abbas Abdullahi Bawale of the Katsina High Court as Chairman, and Ibrahim M. Daku of the Governor’s Office as Secretary.

The commission has two gender-based representatives from the Civil Society Organisations, one representative of students and one representative of the Human Rights Commission.

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Speaking at the inauguration at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu said that the panel was set up to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved SARS.

He said that the swiftness of composing the panel members was an indication of the state government’s sincerity toward the quick resolution of issues that led to the ongoing nationwide protests against policing system.

Sanwo-Olu said that the state government selected an unblemished retired judge to head the tribunal, given the enormity of the task at hand.

The governor said that there was need to uphold the tenets of due process and fair hearing in the course of the panel proceedings.

“In the last two weeks, we have witnessed pockets of justified protests by our youths against police brutality.

“The pains of our young ones have been felt in various parts of Lagos and other parts of the country, as well as in the Diaspora.

“The protesters have spoken in one voice against the unbridled violation of fundamental rights and lives by the disbanded SARS operatives.

“In my engagements with the protesters, they handed me a list of five immediate demands, which I personally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari last Tuesday,´´ he said.

According to him, he has taken action on some of the demands, which include: the immediate release of all those detained on account of their participation in the EndSARS protests.

He said that the government had also set up a N200 million victims fund for compensation of families and individuals who were victimised by officers of the disbanded SARS.

The governor said the setting up of the judicial panel was in response to one of the demands of the youth.

He said that it was also in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on Oct. 15, chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The governor said that the panel would be chaired by a retired Judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Doris Okuwobi.

Sanwo-Olu assured all victims that justice would surely be served.

He said that the panel would sit for six months, and was charged to evaluate the evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of public complaints on police brutality and extra judicial killings in Lagos.

The governor said that this was with the aim to determining and recommending compensation for victims and their dependents.

He said that in its terms of reference, the panel was also mandated to interrogate SARS officers responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution.

Sanwo-Olu said the panel took its legitimacy from Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

According to him, the panel has powers to procure evidence and summon any person to attend its proceedings to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in the person’s possession.

“Mindful that complaints may be against serving police officers or ones already dismissed, the panel has a mandate to carry out the directives of the Federal Government to enable it to discharge its duties without fear or favour.

“We expect the panel to judiciously use its powers to ensure that all necessary parties appear before it to testify. The members of the panel have the mandate to ensure that the rule of law prevails.

“I thank the chairman and members of the panel for responding to the call of duty at this crucial time.

“I am convinced that you all recognise the importance of the assignment, which I believe will open a new chapter in the police-citizen relationship.

“I urge you to approach this task with all sense of responsibility, even as Lagos residents look to you for a fair and just outcome,´´ he said.

Sanwo-Olu, however, said that the state government would not wait till six months – the period set for the tribunal to sit – before compensating victims, as might be recommended by the judicial panel.

He also said that the government would comply with and support the manner with which the panel members might decide to hold their proceedings.

The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), said that the urgency of setting up the tribunal was an indication of the priority the governor usually accord to matters bordering on citizens’ interest.

Onigbanjo said that the tribunal fully had the backing of the laws of the State and of the Federal Government to carry out investigative duties and give recommendations for prosecution of anyone.

Justice Okuwobi, responding, said that the EndSARS protests had proven formidable to elicit positive actions to re-awaken consciousness of the government on the need to address injustice meted out to members of the public by SARS operatives.

“Having been invited to serve on this panel, we view our appointment as scared, demanding our utmost commitment, passion, loyalty and sense of duty in the discharge of this assignment.

“No stone will be left unturned. We shall be thorough, objective and transparent in line with the terms of reference and enabling legal instruments.

“As thorough-bred professionals and legal experts, we remain true to our callings, and will ensure that victims of this loathsome abuse and brutality are identified within the society and recommended for due compensation,´´ she said.

After the swearing-in, the tribunal members proceeded to the venue of its sittings, where the inaugural proceeding was held.

Okuwobi invited members of the public not to delay in the presentation of their petitions and memoranda.

She also urged the press to report the proceedings of the tribunal without sensationalism, noting that media houses could do live coverage of the panel activities for transparency.

Also, Mr Segun Awosanya, a Human Rights activist, could not be sworn in with other panel members, as he was held in a traffic while coming for the event.

The representatives of the youth on the panel had not been nominated by the protesters at the time tribunal members were sworn in.

The protesters pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the state government reached out to them to provide their representatives.

Tribunal members who took the oath include: Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society), Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police), Ms Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society), Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre), and the representative of the Human Rights Commission.

Lagos residents, who have petitions against SARS and the police, can reach the tribunal’s help desk on the numbers: 09010513203, 09010513204 and 09010513205.

Also, petitions can be sent to the dedicated email: judicialpanelonSARS@lagosstate.gov.ng

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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Lagos House, Marina, during a media briefing on the ongong EndSARS protests in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said that the Judicial Panel of Enquiry and Restitution was to investigate human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolved SARS in Lagos State.

He said that the move was part of the steps being taken by Lagos Government to address the five-point demands of the youth protesting against SARS brutality.

The governor said that the panel, being headed by Rtd Justice Doris Okuwobi, would sit for six months and was mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the state.

He said that this was with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.

”A Panel of Enquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses in Lagos State is now being constituted. This seven-man panel will ensure that all those with verifiable cases of SARS brutality or fatality receive compensation.

The panel will be chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, while other members are: Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN (representing the Civil Society); Rtd. DIG Taiwo Lakanu (a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police); and Ms Patience Udoh (representing the Civil Society);

”Others are Mr Segun Awosanya (Human Rights Activist); Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Mediation Centre); as well as a rep/member of the youth-led protest and a representative of the Human Rights Commission,” he said.

The governor said that the state would also be setting up a help desk for the complaints and petitions to the panel.

He said that as from next week, residents could reach the help desk on the following numbers: 09010513203; 09010513204 and 09010513205.

Sanwo-Olu said that himself and his deputy had engaged the protesters on numerous occasions and listened to their concerns and agitations.

”We feel their pain and share their clamour for far-reaching police reforms, for a police that serves and protects the people of Lagos and Nigeria, not one that intimidates and oppresses them.

”Nigeria’s development aspirations will not be achieved without a responsive and ethical police.

”One of the things you asked for is the release of all arrested protesters. I assure you that as at today, all detainees have been released.

“If you know of anyone still in police custody, please bring same to my notice.

”I am also pleased to confirm to you that all the other demands have been addressed by the President who has given the I-G of Police the go-ahead to implement all the demands.

”We have, in fact, also set up a N200 million victims compensation fund to take care of all compensation due to those verifiable cases of SARS brutality and fatality in the state,” he said.

The governor said Lagos State was taking the issue of police misconduct very seriously.

He said that earlier in the week, there was an incident of police misconduct at the Area “C” Command in Surulere and all four erring police officers were facing an orderly room trial which we are monitoring closely.

The officers are Insp. Bagou Michael; Insp. Ekpoudom Etop; Sgt. Nnamdi Majura and Sgt. Akinyemi Benson.

”Let me now directly address all protesters who have taken their message to the street to agitate for change and reform of the police. It is now time to ask you all, to acknowledge the progress being made and to respond in good faith.

”We are starting to record violent incidents as well as the breakdown of law and order. This week we have seen an escalation in incidents arising from the protests.

”Reports of medical evacuations hindered by the blockage of key roads and the worsening traffic arising from the protests.

“Lagosians who are unable to go to their workplaces or earn a legitimate living because of the collateral impact of protest gatherings.

”We therefore cannot continue this way. What we need now, and ask for, is for you to sheath your swords, and give us a chance, as Federal and State Governments, to consolidate on these actions being promptly taken to address your concerns.

”Even as we affirm the constitutional rights of all protesters to peacefully make your grievances known, it is also our duty as a government to ensure that the exercise of one set of rights by one group of people does not in any way constrain the rights of any other group of people.

”We now have no choice but to take every necessary step to restore law and order and to minimise the disruptions being experienced by all law-abiding residents of Lagos State,” he said.

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Lawan made the statement at Tuesday’s plenary in his concluding remarks on a matter of personal explanation into the murder of Jimoh Isiaka by the Police, and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso Land during the recent #EndSARS protest in some states across the country.

The Senate President while commenting on the development which was sparked by SARS brutality against Nigerians, described previous conduct of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad as “unacceptable”.

“SARS was funded by public funds and the entire essence of having the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure that there is law and order, and that there is security for our people.

“When SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest peacefully,” Lawan said.

The Senate President also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for promising to bring to justice all those involved in perpetrating various atrocities against Nigerians.

He, therefore, prevailed on Nigerians to suspend the #EndSARS protest, particularly in view of the recent disbandment of the police unit by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Lawan assured that those found culpable of Police brutality against Nigerians would be brought to face the weight of the law.

“I think the protest has yielded the desired result so far, and there may not be need to continue to have protests again when SARS has been disbanded.

“Those culprits who were involved in the killing and maiming of Nigerians will be brought to book.

“I think we should give the government the chance to implement those reforms as quickly as possible,” the Senate President appealed.

Sen. Buhari Abdulfatai (APC-Oyo North), while coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules, noted with grief “the death of Jimoh Isiaka and several other promising youth.

He said that their lives were “cut short at their prime during the recent #EndSARS protest, which started on Oct. 8.”

According to the lawmaker, the right to peaceful assembly and free expression as a fundamental principle of any democracy, is enshrined in Section 40 of Nigeria Constitution 1999.

He said the section guarantees the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest.

Abdulfatai decried the #EndSARS protest, which he said, resulted into a confrontation between the security operatives and the protesting youth in some parts of country such as Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where violence was recorded.

“For instance, the Nigeria Police were alleged to have injured seven (7) protesters and shot dead a young man known as Jimoh Isiaka, a Constituent of mine during the protest,” the lawmaker lamented.

He added that as a reaction to the death of Jimoh Isiaka, the palace of the Paramount Ruler of the city, the Soun of Ogbomoso land, was attacked by the protesters who destroyed property and vehicles, with some palace officials sustaining injuries.

Also, Sen. Richas Okorocha (APC-Imo West), kicked against the arrest and detention of #EndSARS protesters across the country by the Police.

He stressed the need for those arrested during the protests to be released from detention unconditionally by the Police so as to calm frayed nerves.

Okorocha called on the Federal Government to prosecute police officers who went out of the rules of engagement to harm Nigerians during the protests.

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