By Godwin Edeh
The Benue State panel of investigation into alledged human rights violations by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), presided over by Justice Adam Onum (Rtd) has concluded its public sitting.
Justice Onum recently told newsmen in his office that the panel has concluded its proceedings and will soon compile reports of its findings and present to the Benue state government.
He further stated that he is aware of the urgency attached to the report by Governor Samuel Ortom and the recent directive by the federal government to all EndSARS panels across the country yet to complete their findings to submit interim report.
Justice Onum expressed dismay over the failure of the Benue public to submit memoranda to the panel on the much needed police reforms which was the basis of the panel. “I was expecting memoranda from the Benue public on police reforms but till the end of the panel’s proceedings, non was submitted. The only memoranda written by late retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Ibezimako Aghanya could not be presented before the panel due to his sudden demise,” he stated.
He said the two months strike embarked on by the judiciary staff was a major set back to the activities and functions of the panel which eventually led to the extension of it’s tenure by three months.
He described the entire exercise as a rewarding experience and expressed his gratitude on behalf of other members of the panel to Governor Ortom for giving him the opportunity to serve the state and the Benue public a platform to vent their grievances and democratically express themselves despite the scarcity of funds.
During the sitting of the panel, over 70 petitions were received and were all attended to.