Adeyanju accepts role on investigation committee, pledges to personally fund his expenses and defend victims’ interests….
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has accepted an invitation to serve on the committee constituted by the government to investigate the deaths of alleged gold miners in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju, who disclosed his decision in a statement, said he accepted the responsibility because he believes the interests of the victims must be properly represented as the committee seeks to unravel what led to the deaths.
He thanked the government for considering him worthy of serving on the panel, but stressed that his participation would be guided solely by the need to protect the victims’ interests and ensure that the facts surrounding the incident are fully established.
The lawyer also called on the government not to make any financial provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, describing the assignment as a national responsibility for which members should be willing to make personal sacrifices.
Adeyanju said he would not accept any payment connected to the assignment and would personally take care of his hotel accommodation, transportation and other expenses incurred while carrying out his responsibilities.
He further warned against any attempt to interfere with the work of the committee, compromise its findings or shield anyone found to have played a role in the deaths.
According to him, he would not participate in, or tolerate, any effort to suppress the truth or cover up wrongdoing, insisting that any such attempt would be brought to public attention.
Adeyanju maintained that the victims and their families deserve justice, adding that the investigation must be allowed to run its course without interference.
He also warned that the “Nigerian factor” must not be allowed to influence the outcome of the probe, stressing that the committee’s responsibility should be to establish the truth and ensure accountability.
