The Lagos State Government is making members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses & Lekki Toll Gate Incident sign an Oath of Secrecy.
This came to the limelight on Tuesday.
The oath requires panel members to “solemnly swear/affirm that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal any matter to any person which shall be brought under my consideration or shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my official duties, except as may be required for the discharge of my official duties or as may be officially permitted by the Governor”.
The eight-member panel has representatives of the civil society, the police, human rights activists, and the youth.
The youth representatives are Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi.
A copy of the oath meant for Majekodunmi found its way to social media on Tuesday.
It was not immediately clear if every panel member was required to sign the oath or it applied to only the youth representatives.
See copy of the oath of secrecy:
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the setting up of the panel on October 15.
Initially, the panel was required to probe allegations of rights abuses by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as part of efforts to reform the police.
However, the scope of the panel has now been expanded to include the investigation of last Tuesday’s shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
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Reacting, to the administering of oath of secrecy on the panel members, Nigerians warned it could impair the independence and impartiality of the panel.
Read reactions monitored on Twitter:
Malachy Odo, a lawyer, has just leaked a document which says Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry are made to sign an “oath of secrecy” before the Governor.
Oath of Secrecy on a Public Matter.
Do you now see why we all these panels must be televised live?
These people are horrible.
— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@DrOlufunmilayo) October 27, 2020
I don’t understand the need for oath of secrecy. @SavvyRinu And Majekodunmi are the representatives of the youth, we stand solidly with them. They should not sign any oath of secrecy. @jidesanwoolu should actually see that the panel is public and televised. #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/Oe7Tf7aBmb
— Bamikole Omishore (Banks) (@MrBanksOmishore) October 27, 2020
Why are independent judicial panel members swearing oath of secrecy to @jidesanwoolu for a public hearing?#LagosJudicialPanel#PoliceBrutality#LekkiMassacre #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/5QUXnZUCeU
— Adetutu Balogun, MBA (@Tutsy22) October 27, 2020
Man are you guys on the TL not seeing what’s actually going on??? Why tf are you guys dragging height when the “representatives” being sent to “represent” are being made to sign an oath of secrecy.
Which in my view means it’s only what they permit them to say that they will!!!
— Chemical Brother 👌 (@chemicalbrodar) October 27, 2020
There is absolutely no need for folks joining this panel in Lagos state to swear an oath of secrecy. It just makes everything look suspect from the get go. Trust levels is currently at the lowest level, @jidesanwoolu. LASG should be doing everything to build trust! #EndSARS
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) October 27, 2020
Why is The Lagos State governor asking the Youth reps to swear to an oath of secrecy?
What is he trying to hide?@jidesanwoolu ,the panel is supposed to be public and televised like Oputa panel
This will ensure accountability and trust
We reject #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/Uj10yrySzP
— DEMAGOGUE PhD.💘senior advocat🎓 (@von_Bismack) October 27, 2020