When the fundamental human right of any citizen of an organised society is violated, it is only right they seek redress. This is why the #EndSARS protesters are valid in demanding justice for everyone who has ever been a victim of the atrocities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives.
Sadly, in the society we live in, not one of the culprits has been brought to book, despite the many horrifying tales of police brutality, extortions and extra-judicial killings that have made the rounds.
More worrisome is the fact that our political representatives and government officials at all levels do not seem to care whether or not justice is served, except the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He seems to be taking the demands of the youth seriously.
The governor, on Monday, took to his Twitter handle to inform Lagosians of the steps his government is taking towards ensuring that victims of the defunct rogue police unit get justice for the crimes committed against them.
His tweet reads:
As we move to end police brutality, by virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, I inaugurated an 8-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution which will receive and investigate complaints of police brutality in Lagos. pic.twitter.com/XRjDvw0Dha
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 19, 2020
The panel will in the next 24 hours be joined by 2 youth representatives and a member of the National Human Rights Commission as we look to provide restitution while following due process. pic.twitter.com/gvrB7DOaQ7
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 19, 2020
While some have lauded the governor’s gesture as a step in the right direction, others have questioned the sincerity of his intentions. It is quite understandable that Nigerians have mixed feelings about his efforts, considering the nonchalant attitude of most leaders towards issues that concern the masses.
Prior to this, Sanwo-Olu had shown his solidarity with the youths by joining the #EndSARS protest with a placard. But Nigerians expressed mixed feelings about this as well, quite understandably. How would he join people protesting against his government? What was the aim?
Notwithstanding, setting up a judicial panel of enquiry to look into the grievances of Nigerian youths is a step in the right direction. Nigerians are watching to see what comes of it with the hope that it won’t end in massive disappointment.
However, it is a nationwide problem, and Nigerians expect a nationwide response. Sanwo-Olu might be making some moves, but till governors across the 36 states in Nigeria follow suit, protests won’t stop. A platform should be provided for all affected persons to seek redress until justice is served and perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to book- a starting point to the reforms of the entire system Nigerians are craving.
Leave a reply