Earlier this month, young Nigerians took to the streets to protest police brutality. Unfortunately, this was overshadowed by Nigerians tired of oppressive systems and let out their anger in ways they knew best. Indeed, the #EndSARS protest only seemed to intensify the hostility between Nigerian youth and the government.

As a result, there is now a general mistrust and disdain for the Nigerian government. This perhaps is one of the reasons why the Lagos Government is taking proactive steps in trying to win back public trust.

As part of the initiatives to clear the dust, especially after the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, 2020, the Lagos Government decided to set up a judicial panel of inquiry and restitution.

Rinu Oduala and Majekodunmi Temitope who were particularly vocal during the #EndSARS protests were chosen to represent Lagos youth in this panel.

While this seemed like a step in the right direction, Nigerians took to Twitter today to express their displeasure at the oath of secrecy the panellists were required to sign.

The oath reads “I solemnly swear/affirm that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal any matter to any person which shall be brought under my consideration or shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my official duties, except as may be required for the discharge of my official duties or as may be officially permitted by the governor. So help me God/Allah.”

For young Nigerians, the oath defeats the whole purpose of setting up a transparent panel that would represent Nigerian youth publicly. And, the part which reads “or as may be officially permitted by the governor” is particularly troubling, considering how broad it is. It stands similar to the power to veto, where the Lagos Government has the power to overrule or permit what is released to the public and what is not.

Why are independent judicial panel members swearing oath of secrecy to @jidesanwoolu for a public hearing?#LagosJudicialPanel#PoliceBrutality#LekkiMassacre #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/5QUXnZUCeU

— Adetutu Balogun, MBA (@Tutsy22) October 27, 2020

If Lagos asked members of the Panel to sign an oath of secrecy, just know there’s no depth these people will not sink into to cover the truth.

RT this to join me to insist that:
ALL PANEL SESSIONS MUST BE TELEVISED.

Otherwise they will scam us o.
Cc @mrmacaronii @falzthebahdguy

— #OurFavOnlineDoc ????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) October 27, 2020

People on Twitter are outraged at the idea of the governor giving himself this type of power as the government doesn’t exactly have a history of being trustworthy. The irony of creating a legally binding oath of secrecy for a public independent judicial hearing is what is irritating a lot of people.

There is absolutely no need for folks joining this panel in Lagos state to swear an oath of secrecy. It just makes everything look suspect from the get go. Trust levels is currently at the lowest level, @jidesanwoolu. LASG should be doing everything to build trust! #EndSARS

— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) October 27, 2020

Man are you guys on the TL not seeing what’s actually going on??? Why tf are you guys dragging height when the “representatives” being sent to “represent” are being made to sign an oath of secrecy.

Which in my view means it’s only what they permit them to say that they will!!!

— Chemical Brother ? (@chemicalbrodar) October 27, 2020

Oath of secrecy???

Panel not secret cult.

— UG (@UgwunnaEjikem) October 27, 2020