The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence that marred last Saturday’s governorship elections in parts of the state.
A Government House statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson Friday in Yenagoa, said Governor Seriake Dickson has constituted the Commission in exercise of his executive powers.
“His Excellency, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State, hereby constitute and appoint a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, mayhem and grave breach of the peace that occurred in parts of the State on or about the 3rd to 6th of December, 2015,” the statement said.
It further stated that the Governor had acted by virtue of the powers conferred upon him by section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 8 Laws of Bayelsa State of Nigeria 2006 and in exercise of all other powers enabling him in that behalf.
DAILY POST reports that the Commission, which has a former Acting Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Margaret Akpomiemie, as Chairperson, and Mr. Abraham Ekiamene as Secretary, is expected to be inaugurated on Monday, December 14, 2015.
Other members of the Commission include, Brigadier-General Bob Ake (rtd), Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Tekena, Mrs. Martha Akpana and Barrister Tamadu Abasi, who would serve as Counsel for the Commission.
The statement directed that a quorum of the Commission should be constituted, if at any of its sittings, the Chairman and two others are present.
It also stated that the Commission should hold its first sitting as soon as it is sworn in and should hold inquiries at such places and dates as the Chairman may determine.
According to the statement, the Terms of Reference of the Commission are as follows:
1. To determine the number and identities of the persons that were injured or killed, if any, during the violence, mayhem and breach of the peace that occurred in parts of Bayelsa State on or about the 3rd to 6th December, 2015.
2. To determine the extent of damage to property, if any, during the said incidents.
3. To identify the perpetrators of the said violence, mayhem and breach of the peace and recommend appropriate action.
4. To determine the role played by the security agencies in the said incidents, if any.
5. To recommend measures aimed at averting future occurrences of such incidents.
6. To make any recommendations as the Commission may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
7. To do such other lawful act(s) for the purpose of giving effect to or that may be incidental to the fore – going terms of reference.
“The Commission shall take such evidence as would enable it perform the task hereby entrusted to it.
“The Commission, has not later than 21 days, from its first sitting or within such extended period as may be allowed in writing to submit its report,” the statement directed.
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