Victor Akinkuolie,
Ado-Ekiti

Following the recent attack on policemen by some suspected hoodlums in Ado-Ekiti, the Governor of the State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has directed the State Ministry of Justice to immediately commence full investigation into the matter with a view to ensure that perpetrators are swiftly and effectively prosecuted.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Mr Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, who frowned at the development, explained that the move is part of the activities of the present administration in the state to ensure zero tolerance policy of assault on security officers.

The government also announced that a total sum of Twenty One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira has been paid as compensation and awarded to victims of historical incidences of human rights violations, and those affected by the violence that broke out during the “Endsars” protests in the State.

The compensation, according to the Attorney General, is the full amount awarded by the State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Allegations of Human Rights Violations by Police Officers including Officers of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Other Persons.

The Commissioner, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend on behalf of the state also tendered an unreserved apology to all victims of human rights violations in the state, as well as those affected by the violence.

He further assured that the Ekiti Government has resolved to continue in strengthening the culture of good governance and respect for human rights in the state.

According to him, “the Government of Ekiti State acknowledged that compensation is only one component of the several recommendations of the panel, which includes, the need to review the administration of justice system in a manner that priorities the needs of all those who come into conflict with the law while at the same time recognizing victims of crime as important stakeholders in the criminal justice system”

The Commissioner also announced the publication of practice directions on virtual court hearings by the Chief Judge of the State, describing the move as an important milestone in the delivery of speedy justice to the people of the State.

Fapohunda further informed that the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice had taken concrete steps in establishing functional ‘Access to Justice’ offices across the state and established two agencies were status of the Department of Citizens Rights (DCR) and the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) will be review.

The measures, he explained, were in response to the agitations of citizens for an easily accessible office where citizens’ complaints can be heard and dealt with promptly.
This, he said, was what informed the establishment of the Citizens’ Complaints Center at the Ojaoba market in Ado-Ekiti, which was designed to complement the mandates of the DCR and OPD in providing professional legal advice and representation for persons whose rights are violated.