IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Justice for All, Senate Committee Encourages Public Petitions
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has taken up the case of two children shot by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), leading to one fatality and another child being blinded. The NDLEA admitted responsibility for the incident, and the committee is now negotiating compensation for the victims’ families.
Senator Neda Imasuen, the committee chairman, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists about the committee’s activities. According to him, a medical report confirmed the cause of death as a bullet wound, and NDLEA did not deny its involvement. The agency initially offered N20 million as compensation, but the Senate committee is working alongside the House of Representatives to ensure the families receive a more reasonable settlement.
“We demanded a medical report, which confirmed the cause of death was a bullet. NDLEA admitted responsibility, even though negligently. The major part of the case is resolved because they admitted to it. Now, we are discussing compensation. NDLEA offered N20 million, but we consider that inadequate, and we are engaging with the House of Representatives to secure fair compensation for the affected family,” Imasuen stated.
Beyond the NDLEA case, the Senate committee continues to address a range of public grievances, including unlawful suspensions, terminations, and denied promotions. Imasuen emphasized that the committee is a vital channel for justice, offering free redress for citizens without requiring legal representation.
“This committee is not well known, but it serves a critical function for ordinary Nigerians. People don’t have to pay to file a petition or hire a lawyer. They can approach us directly through the Senate President, their Senator, or the committee itself, and we will ensure their case is heard,” Imasuen explained.
He further stressed that the committee is open to every Nigerian, regardless of status or background, and encouraged more people to bring their grievances forward. “The public should know that this committee is for everyone. Whether you are a student, worker, or just an ordinary citizen facing injustice, you have the right to come to us, and we will fight for your case,” he assured.
Highlighting past successes, he recalled a case where the committee intervened to reinstate a final-year student rusticated from the University of Abuja over allegations of student unionism. After several deliberations, the university was compelled to readmit the student.
The committee also handles petitions against various government agencies, including the police, customs, and the Civil Service Commission. Imasuen assured that under his leadership, and with the support of the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the committee remains committed to delivering justice to all Nigerians.
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