Rivers Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and Extra-Judicial Killings said it received 171 memoranda from members of the public.
The Chairman of the panel, Justice Chukwunenye Uriri (rtd.) said this at the panel’s inaugural sitting on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Uriri said the number of petitions submitted to the panel surpassed that in other states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory.
He promised that the panel would give fair hearing to all the petitioners, without fear or favour.
“The panel is a fact-finding one, separate and distinct from regular courts of law – but with coordinate responsibility to manage.
“It is enjoined by law to make its findings effective for the dispensation of justice.
“In addition, our mission is to do justice at all times to all manner of persons, irrespective of religion, colour or tribe,” Uriri said.
Mr Prince Nyekwere, the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt branch, assured the panel of their support to enable it to achieve its target.
According to him, the setting up of the panel to address human rights abuses by some law enforcement agents is a step in the right direction.
“So, we are happy that the commission was set up in all the states to address the reason behind EndSARS protest by the Nigerian youths.
“We hope that the panel will give the seriousness that the assignment deserves,” Nyekwere said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the panel include Dr. George Nwaeka (Secretary) and Mrs Florence Amiesimaka (International Federation of Women Lawyers).
Others are Mr Tonye Ibiaiki (NBA Port Harcourt), Chijioke Ihunwo (Youths), Karl Uchegbu (Civil Society Organisations), Rev. Richard Opara (Religious Organisations) and Mrs Bella Ebeku (Women Organisations). (NAN)
