States to probe police brutality

TRACKING_____Extra-judicial killings and police brutality are to be probed by governors through judicial commissions of inquiries, the National Economic Council (NEC) said on Thursday.

Besides, governors are to facilitate payment of compensation to victims.

The states helmsmen are also to interface with the #EndSARS protesters to persuade them to drop the protests in view of the reforms being carried out by the government.

These are part of the communiqué of the NEC meeting on Thursday, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

According to a statement by the spokesman to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, the governors are to immediately established the judicial commission of inquiries to include representatives of Youths, Students and Civil Society Organisations.

It is to be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge.

NEC also directed that governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by the Governors to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in their states.

The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.

Members of the Special Committee would also include Representatives of Youths, and Civil Society.

The judicial panel’s assignment is to be concluded within six months.

Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, to the NEC that states performance in testing in September compared to August recorded decline in 18 States and improved testing in 19 others.

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning reported to Council that the balance in the accounts are as follows:

• Excess Crude Account -$72,409,346.76
• Stabilization Account -N47,193,630,556.96
• Development of Natural Resources Account -N154,330,148,020.34