The Christian Association of Nigeria on Monday commended the peaceful approach of the proponents of the reform of the police either through the #EndSARS protests or prayer walks nationwide.

The association said it was monitoring the #EndSARS protests nationwide and praying that their unprecedented efforts to have a decent society would not be in vain.

 In a statement by its President, Dr Samson Ayokunle, CAN also tabled a nine-point demands, including “compensation for all victims of police brutality and other extrajudicial killings in the last 10 years.”

CAN said, “We are not unaware of your sacrifices, time, money and other risks in your quest for a reformed police and an egalitarian society. CAN acknowledges and appreciates your patriotic agitation in a peaceful manner despite the pockets of attack against you, either by the police or some hired thugs to disrupt the exercise.

“We condemn in strong terms every attempt being made to stop or disrupt the peaceful protest which is lawfully allowed and guaranteed by the 1999 constitution (as amended). We are monitoring the #EndSARS protests nationwide and we are praying that their unprecedented efforts to have a decent society will not be in vain.

 “We call on the military and police to resist the temptation to intervene in a civil protest in order to avoid a harvest of deaths. We have had enough of mass burials without fighting a war in the recent past.”

CAN said government should stop paying lip service to the welfare of the people and immediately begin programmes that will bring succour to the suffering masses.

“Our roads must be made motor-able throughout the country for ease of moving human and economic goods while interrupted electricity supply should be ensured among other infrastructures requiring urgent attention in our nation. Our leaders need to wake up to pragmatic and task-oriented leadership now so as to save our nation,” the association stressed.

Governors seek end to protests

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors Forum on Monday called for a judicial commission of inquiry to review cases of police brutality, especially by operatives of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad across the country.

While condemning the attack on the Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola by suspected hoodlums, the NGF, in a communiqué signed by its chairman, Kayode Fayemi, appealed to the #EndSARS protesters to suspend their demonstration to prevent hoodlums from hijacking it.

Lagos, Kaduna, Abia, three others inaugurate judicial panel

Meanwhile, Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Ekiti, Ondo and Abia states on Monday inaugurated their separate judicial panels of inquiry to look into cases of human rights abuses by members of the just disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, swore in the state’s seven-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution headed by Justice Doris Okuwobi at the Lagos House, Marina.

The panel has the mandate to investigate cases of human rights violations by SARS officers and ensure the making of restitution to the victims.

It will be sitting at the Head Office of the Lagos State Waterways Authority at Falomo, Ikoyi from Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm.

Among members of the panel are human rights lawyers, Messrs Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink; a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and a founding member of SARS, Mr Taiwo Lakanu; and Director, Lagos State Directorate of Citizen’s Rights, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya.

Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State inaugurated an eight-man Judicial Panel of Investigation to receive and investigate complaints from the public on police brutality, human rights’ violations, including extrajudicial killings.

The governor, speaking during the inauguration of the panel headed by retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi, reminded the members of the importance of the assignment to the continued peace and security of the state and the nation at large.https://frontend.1worldonline.com/widget/smart3-5eae359d.html#!/widget/9b0ba25c-5faa-433c-af72-a94897eb2780&type=widget&code=9b0ba25c-5faa-433c-af72-a94897eb2780&mode=smart3&token=9b0ba25c-5faa-433c-af72-a94897eb2780-1&location=https%3A%2F%2Fpunchng.com%2Fendsars-can-amnesty-warn-against-attacking-protesters%2Fabout:blank

Also, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday inaugurated a judicial panel of inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Cornelius Akintayo.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu also inaugurated judicial panel on Monday.

In the same vein, the Kaduna State Government has given the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Police Brutality six months to conclude and submit its report.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who made this known while inaugurating members of the committee in Kaduna, said the demand for accountability in policing was a national issue.

Similarly, the Edo State Government also set up a 12-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry into circumstances surrounding the #EndSARS protests in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, in a statement, disclosed that the panel was given 90 days to complete the assignment.

Also, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, approved the inauguration of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings and brutality by security agents in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Sunday Nwakanma, said the composition of the panel comprised retired Justice Sunday N. Imo as the chairman, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Uzoamaka Ikonne will serve as the Secretary.

Amnesty warns military against attacking #EndSARS protesters

Meanwhile, global rights group, Amnesty International, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the military, which is commencing its operation ‘Crocodile Smile’ this week does not attack #EndSARS protesters.

Amnesty said in a series of tweets that the Nigerian military had a poor human rights record especially as it relates to protesters.

The group therefore called on the Nigerian government to ensure that the military and other security agencies abide by international human rights law.

It stated, “Amnesty International is concerned for the safety and security of peaceful protesters who are currently marching across the country under the banner of #EndSars, in light of the announcement that the military intends to commence a military exercise this week.

“The Nigerian military has a poor human rights record in dealing with protesters.  In the past, we have seen shocking and unconscionable use of lethal force by soldiers against unarmed protesters in several parts of the country.”

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