The Rivers State Government has resolved that any compensation payable to victims of acts of violence, torture, brutality, and violation of fundamental human rights committed by the Nigerian Police should be paid by the Police authority or by the Police Officers involved in those acts of brutality; saying that there is no way the State Government can be held accountable for the acts of police officers who are not agents of the state.
The decision was taken after the five-man committee set up by Governor, Nyesom Wike, to formulate a draft White Paper on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry that investigated brutality and violation of fundamental human rights of citizens especially by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, FSARS in the State, submitted its report to the State Executive Council.
Following the submission of the report of the Justice Chukwunenye Uriri led Judicial Commission of Inquiry into alleged acts of brutality, murder, and violation of fundamental human rights committed by Officers and Men of the Nigeria Police particularly the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, in Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike immediately constituted a five-member White Paper Committee headed by the State’s Attorney General to study the report and formulate a draft, White Paper.
The committee did its job and forwarded a Draft White Paper to the State Executive Council for consideration
And after deliberating on it, the Rivers State Executive Council took a number of decisions.
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The attorney General has been directed to publish, and transmit the White Paper to authorities of the Nigeria Police Force for necessary action
Other decisions reached are the setting up of Public Defender offices in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to make access to justice easier for people who cannot afford the services of a legal practitioner.
The Attorney General is to also liaise with the Judiciary to ensure that quarterly reports are submitted to his office in respect of provisions under the administration of the criminal justice law
Some of the provisions require that on monthly basis the Commissioner of Police provides detailed information about the persons being held in Police custody.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
