Nigerian youths have raised alarm after the youth representatives on the Lagos Judicial Panel of enquiry on police brutality were asked to sign an oath of secrecy.
In response to the demands of End SARS protests, the Lagos state government set up the Lagos judicial panel of enquiry on police brutality and extra-judicial killings and invited two Nigerian youths to be on the panel.
The people chosen to represent the youths are Rinu Oduala and Majekodunmi Temitope.
However, earlier today, as the session was about to start, a copy of a document panellists were asked to sign hit the internet. The panellists were given an oath of secrecy to sign, swearing they will not “directly or indirectly communicate or reveal any matter to any person” without being “officially permitted by the Governor”.
Nigerians did not agree with this and stated that secrecy will not allow for openness and transparency.
Reacting, Nigerians on Twitter said they want an open panel.
Subsequently, Modupe “Moe” Odele, one of the members of the Feminist Coalition on the forefront of keeping the End SARS protests organized, revealed that the youth representatives will not be signing the oath of secrecy.
The Nigerian Bar Association advised them against signing it.
Responding to concerns raised by Nigerians on Twitter, Moe tweeted: “This has been rejected after concerns were raised and a dialogue was had this morning. The panelists will not be signing this document.”
She added: “The youth rep panelists on the Lagos SARS panel have a sharp legal team behind them. Please be rest assured.”
Below are more reactions from Nigerians regarding the Oath of Secrecy.
