Many Nigerian are dissatisfied with the oath of secrecy that was initiated on members of the Judicial panel of inquiry that was set up by the Lagos States Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The oath of secrecy that was administered on panel members reads as follows:
“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.”
The panel’s obligation is to uncover the men behind the Lekki toll shooting of unarmed protesters on 20.19.20 with sitting expected to begin today.
Popular social media influencer, Dr. Harvey Olufunmilayo, said the oath of secrecy was not a good sign.
“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,” he wrote.
Another influencer, Dr. Dipo Awojide, said the state government oath of secrecy undermines the trust the youth has
“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. The Trust level is currently at the lowest level.
Lagos State Government should do everything to build trust,” Awojide tweeted.
A lawyer, Festus Ogun, said the reference to the governor in the oath was also worrisome.
Ogun said the oath of secrecy was defective and at variance with Section 38(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
“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,” the lawyer maintained.
