RVHA Crisis: RSG Institutes Inquiry …Names Eight-Member Panel

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says the peace and security of the people is paramount in his administration’s policy direction and everything would be done to assure these throughout his tenure.
Governor Amaechi stated this yesterday while inaugurating an 8-Man Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the unfortunate events that took place at the State House of Assembly RSHA) complex,  Wednesday, July 9, 2013
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the Governor said the commission, chaired by Justice B.A. Georgewill, has as its terms of reference: to investigate and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the crises at the State House of Assembly on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th July, 2013, identify those directly and indirectly involved, the number of persons injured or threatened with injury.
It would also ascertain properties destroyed, their owners and the value of such properties, whether external or internal persons or factors outside the RSHA influenced or were involved in the crisis and to what extent, and investigate any other matter or matters that may come to the knowledge of the commission in the cause of its deliberations, not covered in paragraph (A)-(F) and submit recommendations thereon on or before October 15, 2013.
Governor Amaechi charged the commission to make recommendations regarding persons whom the commission finds blame-worthy in connection with the crises, recommend in the light of its findings in order to bring lasting peace in the State House of Assembly and other recommendations which the commission may consider in view of its findings, urging it to be firm, courageous, truthful and honest in its recommendations.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of the commission and a High Court Judge in Port Harcourt, Justice B.A Georgewill, assured that the commission would carry out its duty in faith and integrity of the law for the restoration of peace in the State while asking for the support of the Government in implementing the recommendations of the commission.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wogu Boms says the state government has the legal powers to set up a commission of inquiry into crises that rocked the House of Assembly on the 9th and 10 of July, 2013.
According to the Attorney-General, Rivers State Government is acting under existing laws as contained in Cap 30 laws of Rivers State arguing that, ‘’ it is based on the prism of Judicial Commission of Inquiry as contained in Cap 30 of laws of Rivers State. Under it the governor has powers to constitute a commission to inquire into anything within its purview and we have asked the deputy governor to inaugurate it.’’
He continued,” What we are doing here is to inquire into the circumstance that led to the breakdown of law and order in our state with view to forestall future occurrence. So there is no conflict the Senate is acting within the sphere allotted it by law.’’
On whether it does not breach the independence and principle of separation of powers of each arm of government, the Rivers State Commissioner for Justice argued that it does not saying, “ we are not constituting a panel to make law for the state which is the statutory function of the Assembly…So it is not a parliamentary panel at all’’.

Chairman, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Sir Ngo Martyns-Yellow (middle) speaking during the 2013 Civil Service Week/Awards day in Port Harcourt, yesterday. With him are the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nworgu Boms (right) and former Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chief G.W Iroanwusi. Photo: Prince Dele Obinna