by Ben Ezeamalu
Some unknown men have kidnapped the brother of Israel Okirie who is billed to appear before the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry probing politically-motivated killings and destruction of properties before and during the 2015 general elections.
Mr. Okirie had petitioned the Commission on April 24 concerning killings in Omoku, ONELGA (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA) in the state.
It was gathered that the kidnappers warned Mr. Okirie not to appear before the Inquiry under any circumstances.
Human rights and civil society activists had on Tuesday condemned the move by the Peoples Democratic Party to halt the proceedings of the Commission.
All the activists who spoke to this newspaper described the party’s action as “disappointing” and an indication that it has something to hide.
On Monday, Emmanuel Aguma, a counsel to the PDP, had announced that the party was boycotting the commission.
Presenting an interim order from a Federal High Court restraining the commission from sitting, he announced that taking part in the inquiry would amount to flouting the order of the court.
“I wouldn’t want to be a part of a process that does not obey the rule of law, so I’m bringing your attention to this. It is the duty of the panel to obey the court,” Mr Aguma said.
The head of the commission, Chidi Odinkalu, however resisted the move to stop the sitting. He argued that the panel was not served the order and fixed Wednesday for the commission to hear counsel’s arguments and consider legal authorities on the issue.
More details later…
