The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the composition of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry into Iloffa/Odo-Owa communal clashes.
According to a statement released in Ilorin, the state capital and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Sola Gold, the Commission is composed as follows:
i. Hon. Justice Sulyman Durosinlorun Kawu,
Chief Judge, Kwara State
ii. HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Ndanusa Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga – Member
iii. Mrs. Funsho Dada Lawal, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Justice
iv. Barr. Taiye Oniyide, Professional Arbitrator, Bayo Ojo & Co. – Member
v. Representative of Commissioner of Police
vi. Representative of Director, Dept. Of State Security Services (SSS) – Member
vii. Elder David A. Adesina, mni, Permanent Secretary, Political, Cabinet
& Special Services, Governor’s Office. – Secretary
Alhaji Gold listed the judicial commission’s terms of reference as follows:
a) Investigate and ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the violent communal clashes between Iloffa and Odo-Owa;
b) Ascertain the extent of loss and damage to lives and properties following the eruption of the communal clashes;
c) Determine the conduct of any person(s), group of persons or associations that in any way contributed to violent clashes;
d) Investigate and identify persons or group of persons other than security personnel who possessed and employed the use of firearms during the civil disturbances with recommendation of appropriate sanctions for such destructive actions;
e) Identify any external/extraneous factors/involvement on the two sides during the violent clashes;
f) Determine the level of involvement or roles of traditional rulers of both communities in the violent communal clashes;
g) Make appropriate recommendations including sanctions if need be, to prevent the re-occurrence of incidence of this nature
h) Any other issues or recommendations that will ensure lasting and peaceful co-existence between the two communities.
The Judicial commission will be inaugurated by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Wednesday, 5th of July, 2017 at the Council Chambers, Government House, Ilorin by 12.00 noon.
Gov. Ahmed also, has identified community policing as an effective and efficient means of tackling various security challenges in the country.
The governor, while receiving the new Commissioner of Police to the state, CP Lawan Ado at Government House, Ilorin proffered community policing as a feasible option in the extant battle against insurgence, kidnapping and other forms of security threats to the country’s cooperate existence
Gov Ahmed charged the police to strengthen existing police public relationship with communities in order to resolve issues militating against peaceful coexistence between various groups.
While commending the outgone Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Olusola Amore, rtd, for the introduction of community policing, he advised the new Commissioner of Police to adopt the style in order to strengthen existing peace and harmony across the state. He promised logistics support for the new commissioner in order to make the state safer for its citizens and investors.
According to the governor, “no development can be recorded in an unsafe environment. So, as a responsible and responsive government, we are committed to making the state a haven for investors.”
Earlier, the new Commissioner of Police, CP Lawan Ado promised to do his best to maintain peace, law and order in the state. “Kwara State is a state of harmony. I intend to work hard towards sustaining the harmonious environment,” Ado promised.