By Valentine Amanze
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, killings and other related matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 General Elections in the state.
The governor also inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties, which occurred at the Judiciary Complex on 11 May, 2018.
In a statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, the
special assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electionic Media, Wike inaugurated both commissions on Thursday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, with a charge that they should submit their reports after 30 days.
While Justice Monina Danagogo is the chairman of the Judicial Commission on Election Violence, Justice Simeon C. Amadi chairs the commission on the invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary Complex.
The governor said that though the function before the two Judicial Commissions of Inquiry would be tasking, he urged the members to diligently work to deliver within the scheduled period.
For the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, killings and related matters during the 2019 general elections, Governor Wike said that some of their terms of reference include:
▪ Investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violence, killings and other related acts/matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 General Elections in Rivers State.
▪ identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the various acts of violence and killings in the state during the period of the aforesaid elections.
▪ identify the victims of the violence including those killed during the said elections.
▪ identify the motives, if any, behind the said violence, killings and other related acts/matters during the aforesaid general elections in Rivers State.
The governor said that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence during the 2019 General Elections had 10 terms of reference.
For the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the invasion of the State Judiciary, Governor Wike disclosed that the panel has 14 terms of reference, which include:
▪Ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of and/or the motives behind the violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt on 11th May, 2018;
▪ identify the persons who participated in, masterminded, counselled or procured others to participate in the violent invasion, attack, disruption of activities of the Rivers State Judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt on 11th Day of May, 2018;
▪ identify and ascertain, the targets of the said invasion, violence and disruption of activities at the Rivers State Judiciary Complex on the aforementioned date.
Governor Wike said that it was unfortunate that anyone would plot the attack on the Judiciary, which is the last hope of everyone.
He pointed out that the former Rivers State Governor who shut down the courts, was the first to seek refuge when the courts were re-opened.
Responding, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, killings and other related matters during the 2019 General Elections, Justice Monima Danagogo, said that the commission would carry out its duties in line with the extant laws.
He said that the members of the commission would carry out the function with despatch as they have a duty to the state.
Also, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violent invasion and attack on the Rivers State Judiciary, Justice Simeon C. Amadi, said that the invasion of the State Judiciary cannot be swept under the carpet. He said that the desecration of the temple of justice was anathema to any democracy.