The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state Barr. Kelechi Igwe has directed that human rights desks are to be established in all the security outfits in Ebonyi State.
He gave this directive while presiding over Special Security and Human Rights committee recently set up by the State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi in response to the the request of “Endsars” protesters in the State.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Monday Uzor in a press release to journalist said the Human rights desks will avail the public the opportunity to lodge complaints about Human Rights abuses by security personnel in different parts of the State.
Barr. Igwe directed that the desk be manned by at least three officers, adding that the Human Rights desks should be extended to various commands and divisions in Local Government Areas to make it easily accessible to citizens across the state.
He urged all the Human rights committees and judicial panel of inquiry to immediately make their procedures known to the public to enable those with complaints of human rights abuses approach them to seek redress.
He also called on citizens wishing to approach the commissions to do so with verifiable evidence and sworn affidavit to substantiate their claims, he warned that anybody with false claims will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Special Security and Human Rights Committee will among other things ensure the protection of the rights of citizens in the functioning of any special tactical unit of the Police, law enforcement officers and other security personnel.
They will also monitor the prosecution of any officer indicted by the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) or any other investigation process carried out in relation to the Squad, mainstream human rights into the activities and operations of all law enforcement agencies;
They will also entertain complaints of human rights violations, liaise with the leadership of the Police and other security agencies for resolution or redress of such complaints; and guide the complainants towards the realization of their rights.
