Funke Busari, Lekki, Lagos
Proceedings at the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and the Lekki Tollgate Incident failed to go on due to lack of quorum.
The absence of the youths representatives of the #EndSARS, Olorunrinu Bolatito Oduala and Majekodunmi Temitope Oluwaseun on the panel on Saturday stalled proceedings.
It was gathered that their absence was in protests against the freezing of the acoount of the #ENDSARS promoters by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
The chairperson of the panel, Justice Doris Okuwobi (Rtd) said the panel did not know what prevented Oduala Bolatito Olorunrinu from coming, hence the panel adjourned further proceedings till 14th November, 2020.
According to Justice Okuwobi, “We don’t wants situation where proceedings would go on and later it is impugned with controversy for lack of quorum.”
She added that it is important that all sittings of the panel is held in accordance with the law.
“We have to wait for them to join us . Without them we are handicapped.”
Counsel to the Army A. T Kehinde expressed appreciation to members of the panel for taking them into confidence on the challenge it is is facing.
He asked to be guided on the next date his client would appear before the panel.
Counsel to the government, Olukayode Enitan, SAN aligned himself with the submission of Kehinde.
According to Enitan: “The issue of quorum is of utmost importance as to the competence of the panel to proceed and as to the integrity of recommendation to be made at the end of proceedings. Therefore the directive for the panel to adjourn is quite appropriate.”
Olumide Fusika, SAN, who appeared for the first time said he accepted to represent some victims who wanted to make presentation before SARS.
He said those persons are; Rahimi Olumide, Solomon Samuel, A, Olamilekan Sanusi, Ayodeji Beckley, Samuel Asala, Agbese Isiawu, Onileowo Legend and others.
Counsel to #EndSARS protesters, a former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Adesina Ogunlana however expressed displeasure over what he described as embarrassment and embarrassment for the panel.
“My only joy is transparency of the panel.
“Let the panel itself be proactive and give ideas to the government.”
“Before now, I have information that the government plans to disrupt this panel and bring in thugs.”
“Government can not approbate and reprobate, this disconnect must be addressed immediately, he said.
