Fayemi compensates first batch of police brutality survivors [PHOTOS]

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Monday, offered monetary compensations to the first batch of #EndSARS panel beneficiaries at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti.

This was done in conformity with the directions of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations Against the Defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and Others, to the state government.

Retired Justice Cornelius Akintayo led the panel. It consists of representatives of youth groups, civil society, and other interested parties.

The State Government in a statement said, “The panel commenced seating in November 2020 and received petitions from 85 members of the public on various allegations of human rights violations. The Government of Ekiti State @ekitistategov has accepted the interim recommendations of the panel in full.

“In addition to the award of compensations, the state government has taken deliberate actions to strengthen its access to justice institutions with a view to ensuring a speedy and effective response to citizens’ complaints of human rights violations.

“Ekiti state has been commended by a broad section of stakeholders on account of the professional, efficient & humane approach that the Justice Cornelius Akintayo panel has discharged its mandate so far, supported by @ekitistategov, @PoliceNG Ekiti Command, and other stakeholders.”

#EndSARS protest is a movement that saw the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) last October after numerous complaints of brutality by the police unit.

The campaign witnessed reactions on social media from international celebrities such as Cardi B, Rihanna, Trey Songz, Big Sean, among others.

The EndSARS protest was endorsed by Jack Dorsey the C.E.O of Twitter and he promoted donations for the protest using Bitcoin.

The #EndSARS campaign against police brutality has since advanced into a mandate for good and accountable governance.

John Olukayode Fayemi was born 9 February, 1965. He is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Governor of Ekiti State, in office since 16 October 2018.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi

Fayemi previously served in office between 2010 and 2014 before losing re-election to Ayodele Fayose.

He was also the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet from 11 November 2015 to 30 May 2018, when he resigned to contest for a second time as Governor of Ekiti State.

Fayemi is married to Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, the First Lady of Ekiti State and they have one son.