Oriire: Scholars, professionals push for special judicial panels to try suspects

ELDER statesmen, scholars and other professionals under The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the establishment of special judicial panels across the six geopolitical zones to expedite prosecution of terrorists.

In the proposal signed by the president of TYULPI, Dr Olusegun K. Ahmad, an general secretary, Olufemi Adefemiwa, the elders said the suspects arrested in connection with kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government area of Oyo State should be expeditiously prosecuted through the special court to fast-track justice.

“While this successful rescue sends a strong message to terrorists, kidnappers, and other violent criminals, the deterrent effect must be reinforced through a swift and effective justice system.

“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to establish Special Judicial Panels in each of the six geopolitical zones to ensure the speedy trial and determination of cases involving terrorism, kidnapping and banditry,” the leaders emphasized, adding that “Justice delayed weakens deterrence, whereas prompt prosecution and appropriate punishment will strengthen the renewed national momentum against violent crimes.”

The leaders noted that the triumph of security operatives over the kidnappers of the pupils and teachers proved that the Nigerian State possesses the capacity and the determination to protect its citizens without yielding to the demands of terrorists.

“By refusing to negotiate from a position of weakness while patiently deploying intelligence, surveillance and overwhelming force at the appropriate time, the Federal Government has reaffirmed that criminality cannot and must not dictate the authority of the Nigerian State,” they stated.

They applauded President Tinubu, the Oyo State government, the Armed Forces, the intelligence community, and all security agencies on the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers.

“President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for providing the political will necessary for this operation. His steadfast resolve throughout this difficult period reflects not only his constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians but also his commitment to restoring confidence in the ability of government to confront violent criminality decisively,” they noted.

They also commended the officers and men of the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and every security and intelligence agency whose professionalism, courage and sacrifice made the rescue possible.

“The support, coordination and commitment demonstrated by the state government contributed to the success of the operation and once again highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing the nation’s security challenges,” they added.

They said further: “Nigeria can progressively dismantle terrorist networks and reclaim every part of its territory from violent criminals.

“We urge the Federal Government not to relent. The momentum must be sustained until every Nigerian can live, work and attend school without fear.”