Lagos State Government set up a panel to investigate the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll plaza on October 20, 2020, and is expected to begin sitting today.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu swore in Members of the panel to an oath of secrecy which read in part:
“I solemnly swear/affirm that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal any matter to any person which shall be brought under my consideration or shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of my official duties, except as may be required for the discharge of my official duties or as may be officially permitted by the governor. So help me God/Allah.”
However, Nigerians have taken to twitter to react to the oath of secrecy saying:
Social media influencer, Dr. Dipo Awojide, tweeted:
“There is absolutely no need for folks joining the panel in Lagos State to swear an oath of secrecy. It just makes everything look suspect from the get-go. Trust level is currently at the lowest level. Lagos State Government should do everything to build trust,”
Festus Ogun, a Lawyer tweeted:
“Again, this oath of secrecy is legally defective. First, the idea of secrecy is occult. Section 38(4) of the 1999 Constitution frowns at ‘secret societies’.
“Oath of confidentiality would be better. Second, oaths are to be sworn before a commissioner of oaths, not the governor,”
Another social media influencer, Dr. Harvey Olufunmilayo, tweeted:
“If Lagos asked members of the panel to sign an oath of secrecy, just know there is no depth these people will not sink into to cover the truth. If members of the Lagos judicial panel of inquiry are truly made to sign an oath of secrecy, now is the time to end that scam.
“These panels are a public inquiry into a matter of public interest about public crimes and atrocities committed by the police. Televise all panel sessions,”
