The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Rivers State Government to look into the alleged Acts of Violence, Torture, Brutality, Murder and Violation of the Fundamental Rights of Citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Nigerian police in the state, yesterday, ended its public sitting in Port Harcourt.
The Tide can now authoritatively report that while it presided over its affairs, the commission entertained 187 petitons, struck out 76 cases for lack of competence, and reserved 111 petitions for conference hearing, which could result in possible recommendations to the state government for consideration and action.
The commission was inaugurated by the state government on November 24, 2020, following the #EndSARS protests, which claimed the lives of many and caused the destruction of properties across the state.
The seven-member commission had Justice Chukwunoye Uriri as chairman, and Dr George Nweke as the secretary.
The commission commenced its inaugural sitting on November 24, 2020, and received a total of 187 petitions.
Out of that number, 76 petitions were struck out for lack of jurisdiction and diligence while 111 petitions have been scheduled for conference hearing on its merit.
Among the petitions struck out by the commission were cases that were either pending in the courts or are out of the scope of the commission’s terms of reference.
Among the notable petitions struck out were that of the Oyigbo Indigenous Lawyers Association, among others.
The commission was given two months to conclude its assignment and turn in its reports and recommendations to the state government for consideration and implementation.
However, the commission on Friday, January 22, 2021, applied for extension of time, which the state government graciously approved additional 14 days for the panel.
The Chairman of the commission, Justice Chukwunoye Uriri (rtd) during his opening remarks at the inaugural sitting earlier said they received a total of 171 petitions, saying that it was the highest ever received by any state commission of inquiry across the country.
Justice Uriri promised that the commission will be fair to all and will dispense justice to all, irrespective of tribe, status or nationality, adding that the commission would not give heed to unnecessary adjournments due to the limited time allotted it to deliver on its mandate.
In its quest to serve justice to all the petitioners and the sole defendant – the police – scheduled its daily sitting from November 25 to December 30, 2020.
Justice Uriri told the petitioners and their legal representations that the commission lacked the powers to adjudicate on matters either pending at the various courts of competent jurisdiction or judgement already delivered on such matters, saying that doing so was out of the scope of the commission.
The commission, however, averred that it has noted the difficulties members of the public faced in getting judgment sum against the police authorities.
Most of the petitioners, who appeared before the commission, were seeking for justice to be served on their matter as well as payment of financial sums to ameliorate and cushion the effects of police brutality meted against them and the affected families.
But as the commission ends its public hearing, the fate of the 141 petitioners whose cases have been heard and selected for conference awaits the recommendations the Justice Chukwunoye Uriri panel would make to the state government for consideration.