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Probe Panel: Experts Task Parties On Appearance
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), A.A Kumapayi (left), exchanging pleasantry with Zonal Commanding Officer, RSG HQ, B. Darwang (middle), during a 3rd quarter stakeholders/ Fleet Operation Forum at the command’s head quarters in Port Harcourt. With them is Section Head of Operation, Mrs R.N Monyei
Some legal experts have called on parties involved in the sale and disbursement of agriculture scheme loans by the immediate past administration to appear before the probe panel constituted by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to clear allegations against them.
They spoke against the backdrop of the failure of some parties to appear before the Justice George Omeregi-led panel which started public hearing last week.
Speaking during a media interactive forum organised by Silverbird Communications in Port Harcourt at the weekend, the immediate past President of Christian Lawyers of Nigeria (CLN), Chukuma Chinwo, and another lawyer, Eugene Odey, said failure of the parties to appear makes them culpable.
Chinwo explained that claims made by some of the parties, especially those who served in the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration that the panel is biased, was not convincing enough since former administrations had set up similar panels to investigate some grey areas of governance.
For instance, Chinwo cited the case when the Amaechi administration set up the Eso panel, which former Governor Peter Odili and Dr Abiye Sekibo appeared to defend themselves.
He also cited the Ogbakiri panel set up by Odili to investigate the remote and immediate causes of crisis in Ogbakiri community.
The legal practitioner further opined that the Omeregi panel does not fall short of the law as the Supreme Court had in the past upheld the powers of state governments to set up panels of inquiry which are purely investigative and not courts of law.
He insisted that, “such panels abide by the principle of natural justice, and so, it does not have the powers to hold anybody liable but rather on a fact finding mission”.
Chinwo further argued that since the probe panel has not displayed bias so far, parties do not have any reason to shun appearance, adding that, “the only option any person has is to go to appeal, if one feels he did not get a fair hearing.”
The same view was held by Barrister Eugene Odey, who contended that the judgment of Justice Amadi over the constitution of the panel validates the legality of the body, since it is empowered to make recommendations to government.
Since the panel is expected to come up with a White Paper at the end of its sitting, Odey reasoned that it will be advisable for the parties to appear and defend themselves, since the matter may likely be documented for future references.
In the words of Odey, “Once the White Paper is out, government may be compelled to take other steps, and so, the individuals involved should make sure they defend themselves.”
The legal practitioner maintained that since nobody is above the law, the parties should avail themselves of the opportunity to clear allegations against them, emphasizing that it is one way to fight corruption and impunity in the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
