The #EndSARS protest featured key personalities that made themselves available to be used as vessels in propagating the demands of Nigerians- heroes like DJ Switch, Rinu Oduala, Majekodunmi Temitope, Aisha Yesufu, Folarin Falana, and a host of others. While the protest didn’t come with any celebrated leader or patron of the movement, the demands from protesters from the #EndSARS movement was unanimous.

In meeting these demands of which includes investigation in cases of alleged brutality by the police, Lagos state, like other states have established a judicial panel after directives from Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The judicial panel is set to have representatives from the civil society, a security agent (police), the government, the protesters and the human rights commission.

What do you expect from the Youth Representatives on the judicial panel in Lagos?

What are your demands? What are your questions?#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #EndBadGovernmentinNIGERIA

— Rinu #EndSARS?? (@SavvyRinu) October 26, 2020

In a report, Monday, 26 October 2020, Rinu Oduala and Majekodunmi Temitope were both nominated as the representatives of the youths from the protest for the panel which is set to commence Tuesday, 27 October 2020. On this announcement, Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated the duo as he shared his expectations from the panel which is set to address key issues of police brutality and extra-judicial killings by the police at large.

The scope of the panel has been expanded to cover the Lekki toll incident. Memoranda can be submitted through the panel's email: [email protected] and you can call 0901 051 3203 , 0901 051 3204 , 0901 051 3205 for enquiries. #HealingLagos

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 27, 2020

The update has left room for questions by many Nigerians who have shared their reservations and commendation on Rinu and Majekodunmi’s appointment as the representatives of the youth. For some, the protest progressed without a leader or a face to it and picking the duo to represent the youth is an attempt by the government to buy their silence over. On selecting Rinu Oduala, a few Twitter users stated that she has had a record of not being accountable and her presence on the panel is questionable. Others, however, maintained that it is an improvement to have the duo who have equally been very vocal since the start of the protest.

Here are a few reactions:

The fact that rinu is on that panel and there’s going to be a sitting allowance.

Everything is already compromised.

Same Rinu that REFUSED to give a comprehensive account of funds.

Lmao

— Ronbi (@_aderonbiOE) October 26, 2020

There is nothing wrong with Rinu being on the judicial panel as a Youth Representative. You don't have to be a Lawyer/Legal Counsel to play that role. Their role is to monitor the activities of the panel to ensure they are credible.

— World Publicist (@IsimaOdeh) October 26, 2020

Why is Rinu on that Panel?!

Thought she had accountability issues. ?

— ♡ (@Zainab_Usman_) October 27, 2020

@SavvyRinu @TemiOanu and @segalink are all on the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

I have Rinu and Segalink on my phone and I can speak to them anytime I choose to. I will stay on their necks on this matter.

Young People, NOW is the time for accountability. Monitor that Panel!

— #OurFavOnlineDoc ????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) October 26, 2020

It appears that the major issues seem to be on Rinu and not Majekodunmi. However, Rinu and Majekodunmi didn’t appoint themselves as representatives on the panel, she was voted in by a public poll published on social media. While questions that are worth asking and are very much allowed, we must recognise that this a necessary step in calling for accountability and getting justice for the victims of police brutality.