Akwa Ibom government has raised an eight-member judicial panel to investigate police brutality which has sparked a nationwide protest with other demands including the restructuring of the country and good governance.
This is coming after protesters calling for the end to killings by police blocked major roads in Uyo, the state capital.
Emmanuel Ekuwem, secretary to the state government said in a statement after an emergency state executive council meeting summoned by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The panel is headed by Ifiok Ukana, a retired High Court, and has Mfon Edemekong as a secretary while others include representatives of the Civil Society groups, student unions, and representatives of the Human Rights Commission among others.
According to the SSG, the terms of reference include receiving and investigating complaints of police brutality, human rights violations, and related extrajudicial killings and evaluating the evidence presented /other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints, and to make recommendations for compensation. The panel has three months to conclude its findings.
Meanwhile, ENDSARS have blocked major roads in Uyo forcing motorists to make use of alternative routes.
The protesters barricaded the road leading to Ibom plaza, a popular relaxation spot chanting songs.
They also moved from Ikpa road junction leading to the university of Uyo campus and marched to Ibom plaza roundabout popularly known as ‘Ibom Connection’ that connects major roads to Uyo metropolis.
One of the protesters simply identified as Emmanuel John Samuel said they blocked the road for the government to know that the youths are are tired of bad governance in Nigeria.
“We are here to tell the whole world that the youths are fade up with the way Nigeria state is managed. We need restructuring. We will remain here until our voices are heard by the whole world.”
“We need our Senate to sit up and give us a better Government. We can’t afford to remain like this. Our brothers have graduated from the school for many years now yet no jobs for them. Therefore we need a total transformation in Nigeria.”
” Youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but if the Government continues to fold its arms and watch the young ones suffering now, Nigeria will continue to be in danger because youths are not given employment. By this, we would turn out to be a nuisance and give the country a bad name”
The protesters expressed disappointment for failed promises of politicians in the past including president Mohammadu Buhari who promised to change but never fulfilled after many years in government.
