Bayelsa sets up panel to probe killings in Saturday’s elections

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has constituted a six-man judicial commission of inquiry into the killings and violence that marred last weekend’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

With terms of reference to include number of persons killed or injured during and after the election, the panel has fourteen days to submit its reports.

A statement released on Thursday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Daniel Alabra, said the commission was inaugurated on Wednesday.

According to Alabra, the governor regretted the loss of lives and destruction of property that characterised the election especially in the southern Ijaw region of the state.

He noted that the commission was also instructed to identify the perpetrators and sponsors of the violence and to determine the roles played by security agencies and their officers.

He advised observers and those who had complaints, video clips, recordings and any other vital information to forward same to the panel.

The Chairman of the commission is Justice Inieakadi Eradiri and Dr. Richard Ogbe will serve as the Secretary while Mrs Felicia Olisah, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police is a member.

Other members are Churchere Komonibo, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police and Archbishop Jacob Akpiri while Prof. Festus Emiri is Counsel to the commission.

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Dickson said the commission was set up in line with the provisions of Section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Laws of Bayelsa State.

He said, “I know that people are aggrieved because impostors that our people never gave their mandate have been announced as if they were elected. “I use this opportunity to call for peace.

“Do not take the laws into your hands because two wrongs do not make a right. “Let me assure you all that the God of justice shall arise and this darkness, evil and temptation will not last for too long.

“The charade in Nembe-Bassambiri and Constituency 4 in Southern Ijaw will not stand. And the very provocative invasion of our peaceful people by the military is condemnable. “Let me make it clear that the commission will not go into the election but will only concern itself with the issues leading to the breakdown of law and order.”

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