Seriake Dickson

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence and breach of peace that occurred before and after the governorship election between December 3 and 6 in the state.

Dickson said in press statement signed by Daniel Iwariso Markson, his Chief Press Secretary, that he is setting up a six-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 8 Laws of Bayelsa State of Nigeria 2006.

Justice Margret Akpomiemie is the Chairperson of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, while Tamadu Abasi is its counsel. Other members include: Brigadier-General Bob Ake, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Abah Tekena, Mrs. Martha Akpana, Mr. Abraham Lord Ekiamene, the Secretary

The Commission, which has not later than 21 days to submit its report, is to hold its first sitting as soon as it is sworn in and shall hold inquiries at such places and dates as the chairman may determine.

The Judicial Panel has six terms of reference:

To determine the number and identities of the persons that were injured or killed, if any, during the violence, mayhem and breach of the peace that occurred in parts of Bayelsa State on or about the 3rd to 6th December, 2015.

To determine the extent of damage to property, if any, during the said incidents and identify the perpetrators of the said violence, mayhem and breach of the peace and recommend appropriate action.

Others include: To determine the role played by the security agencies in the said incidents, if any and recommend measures aimed at averting future occurrences.

The Judicial panel is also to make recommendations as the Commission may deem fit to make in the circumstances among others.

The Commission which would be inaugurated on Monday, 14 December, 2015, shall take such evidence as would enable it perform the task hereby entrusted to it.