Okrika LG: Panel Assures On Fairness

The chairman of the judicial panel to investigate allegations of gross-misconduct against the suspended Okrika Local Government boss, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ogbuji has assured that the doctrine of fair hearing as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria would be strictly applied during their facts finding in the matter.

  The chairman gave the assurance during the panel’s inaugural sitting at the High Court Complex, in Port Harcourt.

  He said that the duty of the panel it to thoroughly investigate the actual fact that led to the allegation as stipulated by law and then  submit its reports to the appropriate quarters, as it is not the duty of the panel to take a final decision.

  He stated that petitioners have been given three days to file and serve their memoranda, while the respondents have also been given seven days to make their reply, adding that each party should submit their memoranda in ten copies.

  According to Justice Ogbuji the panel would sit on daily basis and would not tolerate any form of adjournment or any technicality  in whatever manner that could cause delay.

  “The Time of sitting each day is 9,am, beginning from the 16th of February, 2010”, he said.

  He urged all concerned parties to always  comply with the rules of court proceedings in filling their memoranda

  He disclosed that parties during the sitting session would only be allowed to come and adopt their depositions and tender documents if any and would be subjected to cross examination on the deposition and facts contained therein.

  According to the chairman at the close of the proceedings parties are automatically entitled to file their final address within 48 hours, while in the same manner petitioners are given the same deadline to reply.

  Justice Ogbuji enjoin the media to refrain from sensational reportage of any kind, as panel appreciate, the presence of the press and solicit for cooperation with the panel.