3-Man Judicial Panel Probes Okrika LG Boss

A three-member judicial commission of inquiry has been inaugurated to investigate allegations of  misappropriation of funds against the suspended chairman of Okrika Local Government Council in Rivers State, Hon Tammy Datoru.

The 3-man panel is made up of Hon Justice Emmanuel N Ogbuji, Chairman, while Hon Justice Rowland I. Ahiakwo and Hon. Justice Monima W. Danagogo are to serve as members.

Making his inaugural speech at his chambers, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Iche Ndu urged the members of the panel to ensure that the confidence reposed in them by himself and other judges are justified to make the judiciary proud.

He enjoined them to exercise transparency, diligence, impartiality, due process and fairness in their findings to ensure that accurate report is submitted to the House of Assembly through the clerk of the House as stipulated by the law.

The chief judge pointed out that the judiciary is a very important arm in any democratic government where everybody is relying on. He therefore urged members of the panel to discharge their assigned duties judiciously without fear or favour.

Meanwhile, the panel has been instructed to submit report on their findings within two months to the appropriate quarter.

In his acceptance speech the chairman of the judicial commission of enquiry, Hon Justice Emmanuel Ogbuji thanked the chief judge of Rivers State and members of Rivers State Council for giving them the opportunity to serve.

He assured that the panel would not let the judiciary down, stressing that by the Grace of God they would put in their best to conclude within the specified months.

It would be recalled that the Okrika Local Government chairman was suspended from office last Tuesday by the State Assembly for alleged misappropriation of funds, amounting to millions of naira.