Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has rejected any payment, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee investigating the deaths of alleged gold miners in Minna, Niger State.
Adeyanju told NewsNGR on Saturday during a phone conversation that his inclusion in the independent committee constituted by the government to investigate the deaths was a call to national duty that must be done to honour the memory of those killed.
In a subsequent statement Adeyanju said he accepted the invitation to serve on the committee to ensure that the interests of the victims are adequately represented and that the truth surrounding the incident is established.
According to him, his participation in the committee is solely aimed at protecting the interests of the victims and ensuring that the investigation is conducted without compromise.
“I urge the Government not to make any monetary provision, stipend or honorarium for members of the committee, as this is a national duty for which we should be prepared to sacrifice,” Adeyanju said.
He added that he would not accept any payment associated with his participation in the investigation.
“I will not accept any such payment, and I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,” he stated.
Adeyanju also said he would personally bear the expenses arising from his participation, including accommodation and transportation.
“I undertake to take care of my hotel, transportation and other expenses myself,” he said.
The lawyer further warned that he would expose any attempt to interfere with the investigation, shield those responsible or suppress the truth.
“If there is any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth, I will expose it,” he stated.
Adeyanju said the victims deserved justice and urged that the investigation be allowed to proceed without interference.
“The victims deserve justice, and the Nigerian factor as we know it must not be allowed to prevail,” he said.
He also thanked the government for considering him worthy to serve on the committee.
Adeyanju reiterated that his decision to participate was driven by the need to represent the victims’ interests and establish the truth surrounding the deaths.
