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Commissions Of Inquiry Promise Fairness To All …Hold Inaugural Sitting In PH
The Chairman of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence, killing and other related matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state, Justice Monima Danagogo says the commission was not constituted to witch-hunt anybody but was a fact-finding mission.
Danagogo stated this during the inaugural sitting of the commission at the State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, yesterday, which heralded the official take-off of the commission.
He said that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike set up the commission in accordance with the state Inquiry Laws Section 2 Sub-Section 1 of Rivers State, 1999, to among other things, “investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violence, killings and other related acts/matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state.
It was also set up to identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the various acts of violence and killings in the state.
The commission was also mandated to identify the victims of the violence, including those killed during the said elections, and identify the motives, if any, behind the said violence, killings and other related acts/matters in the said elections as a way to make appropriate recommendations to the government in other to forestall the repeat of such, among others.
According to him, the commission was handed down with 10 terms of reference by the state governor and was expected to submit its report after 30 days from the first day of the panel’s sitting.
“In the cause of our work, we have called for submission of memorandum from all interested parties through both print and electronic media”, he stated.
Danagogo restated that the commission was not a regular court and would not on a mission to witch hunt any person or group of persons, adding that during the sitting, the panel would obtain its evidence through oral evidence presentations from witnesses as well as those who submitted their memo to the commission.
He assured that the commission would give all the parties equal time to present their facts, and called on all to cooperate with the commission to enable it deliver the mandate given to it.
Also speaking, Corlins C. Ikeh, representing NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr. Grale B. Amadi (Esq) and the Officer In-Charge, Legal, Rivers State Police Command, Monday Binebo, in their separate speeches, promised to work with the panel to enable them succeed in their assignment.
Other members of the judicial commission including Frank Fubara, Esq, Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi, Monsignor Pius Kii and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, who also doubles as the Secretary of the commission, Mr Paulinus Nsirim as well as Chidi Boniface Eke, Esq, counsel to the commission were all present during the inaugural sitting of the commission.
In a related devrlopment, the Rivers State Judicial Commission Inquiry investigating the invasion and attack on the state judiciary complex, last year, has promised to give fair hearing to all interested parties invited by the commission.
The five-man committee Chaired by Justice Simeon C. Amadi, was inaugurated by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to among other things, unravel the circumstances that led to the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the complex on May 11, 2018.
The commission has 14 terms of reference and is expected to submit its reports to the state government 30 days from its first sitting.
Speaking at the inaugural sitting, yesterday, the Chairman of the five-man investigative panel, Justice Simeon C. Amadi said the commission would not be biased but would accord every party or parties equal opportunities to make their presentations, adding that the commission was not a regular court but on a fact finding mission.
Amadi, while reading out the terms of reference given to the panel, said they include, “to ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of and/or the motives behind the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex at the stated dates.
“Identify the persons who participated in, masterminded, counselled or procured others to participate in the violent attack, disruption of activities of the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt on 11th day of May, 2018.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.