POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE: YAKOWA SETS UP COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has inaugurated a 12-man judicial commission of inquiry to look into the post-election disturbances that took place last month in the state. The commission headed by Justice Muhammadu Lawal Bello was tasked to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the violence, just as it has eight weeks from the day of its sitting to submit the report to the executive governor of the state.

Mr. John Waje Bagu of the Ministry of Education is to serve as the secretary of the commission, while Barrister Mohammed Isa Aliyu from the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna is to act as counsel to the commission.

Other members of the commission included Alhaji Abubakar Ladan, Mr. Stephen Bawa Manya, Hajia Hadiza Mailafiya, Mr. Ali Barnabas Hadwya , Alhaji Rabiu Bako , Rev. Dr. Sam Kujiyat , Alhaji Ja'afaru Makarfi and Rev Dr. Bauta Motty.

Inaugurating the commission yesterday, Yakowa said, 'The government is deeply concerned with the level of destruction that occurred during these crises and is determined to unravel the immediate and remote causes of these crises and to find a lasting solution that will prevent a future occurrence of such crises in the State.

'It is therefore with a grave sense of responsibility and concern for continuous peace, unity and progress of this state that government has decided to set up this Judicial Commission of Inquiry to inter alia, find out the perpetrators and those behind the crises, the level of destruction of lives, property, places of worship and to proffer lasting solutions that will prevent a re-occurrence of similar crises in the state in future.

'You have been carefully selected to serve as members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry based on your track record of service, your wealth of experience and keen interest in the development of Kaduna State. 'We have therefore put on your shoulders a very heavy responsibility and we are optimistic that God will see you through.' The terms of reference of the commission is to, 'inquire into or investigate, ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of the riot.

'Identify individuals, organizations and other associations that might have contributed to the build-up to the riot by way of publication in the print and electronic media, organizing seminars, workshops, conferences etc.'To assess and determine the extent of loss of lives and property and other forms of damage caused during the riots and disturbances as well as identify the perpetrators of the dastardly acts; 'Examine any other matter or issue incidental to any of the terms of reference.

'In the light of the commission's findings, recommend appropriate legal actions to be taken against those responsible for the riots and or disturbances; and recommend appropriate steps to be taken by government to forestall future occurrence of the riots or disturbances.' Yakowa added. He reminded the people that the state belonged to all of them and they could not achieve the dream of the best state in the country in an atmosphere of acrimony and violence.

'This is because; anytime there is a violent eruption we are dragged backwards, hence making our dream remains only a mirage,' he said.