#EndSARS: Imo Judicial Commission Says Public Not Responding To Call For Petition

The judicial commission of inquiry into police brutalities in Imo State has so far received only two petitions, says the chairperson of the commission, Florence Duruoha-Igwe, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the inaugural sitting of the panel in Owerri, Mrs Duruoha-Igwe regretted that the responses of the public towards filing petitions were not encouraging. She also called on all aggrieved citizens of the state to make the best use of the commission by submitting their genuine petitions.

She however said the commission would have no option than to elapse if aggrieved people of the state failed to file their petitions. According to her, “The commission has six weeks within which to conclude its assignment. I urge all concerned to cooperate with us. Unnecessary adjournments will not be entertained. The commission will receive and investigate complaints, evaluate evidence presented and draw conclusions as to the validity of complaints.”

She explained further that among the roles expected of the panel were to ascertain police personnel that committed brutalities, and recommend appropriate sanctions as well as compensation for the victims where applicable.

Our correspondent reports that the panel has sixteen members. It was set up by Governor Hope Uzodinma in compliance with the directive of the federal government following the #EndSARS protests that brought the country to a total standstill two weeks ago.