The Commission of Inquiry set up by the Delta State Government to look into the lingering kingship and land disputes within Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South and its neighbouring communities, has assured communities and stakeholders of its resolve to be fair, neutral and impartial in the conduct of its assignment.
The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ejiro Emudainowho, gave the assurance while addressing representatives of the various communities and their legal teams at the inaugural sitting of the Commission at the Press Centre, Government House, Asaba.
Justice Emudainowho, who announced that the Commission of inquiry would commence hearing on Wednesday next week said the panel was made up of men and women of proven character and integrity and was committed to uncovering facts, examining evidences and hearing all perspectives with fairness.
She said the panel would conduct its proceedings with the highest degree of integrity and transparency, adding that it would provide a conducive environment where all voices would be heard, respected and considered in its final findings.
Justice Emudainowho noted that members of the Commission recognized the gravity of its assignment in addressing complex and deep rooted issues concerning kingship and land ownership within Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities.
According to her, the concerns that led to the setting up of the Commission of inquiry touched on core identity, heritage and stability within the affected communities’ kingship and land ownership matters, which were historical and cultural as well as of economic significance.
She noted that the disputes had led to conflicts and disruptions, assuring that the Commission of inquiry would strive to bring clarity, truth and ultimate peace to the long standing issues by being neutral and impartial.
Justice Emudainowho advised Counsels to the various communities and individuals to represent their clients with decorum considering the sensitive nature of the issues, and strive for dialogue that advanced understanding even in the face of disagreement.
She called on the media to give professional reportage to the sittings of the Commission of inquiry with accuracy, fairness and every sense of responsibility, noting that their reports could positively or negatively impact on the perception of the public.
Justice Emudainowho solicited the cooperation of the affected communities and urged them to trust the process as the Commission’s goal was not to deepen divisions but to bring understanding and unity to lay the ground work for a peaceful and cooperate future.
She said that the Commission had received thirty memoranda and urged the Counsels to liaise with the secretariat for any information.
Some of the legal representatives lauded the state government for setting up the Commission of inquiry to put an end to the lingering kingship and land ownership disputes within Ogwashi-Uku and its neighbouring communities.
They drew the attention of the Commission to issues bothering on their interests.
Other members of the Commission of Inquiry include, Mrs Ajoritsedere Awosika, Pharmacist Paul Enebeli, Professor Andrew Onokerhoraye, Mr Charles Dike,a Deputy Commissioner of Police and Barrister Moses Namo, an Assistant Director, Department of State Services with Barrister Gabriel Ikemefuna Eze-Owenz, a Director, Advisory Services,Ministry of Justice as Secretary.
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