Date Published: 05/09/11

FG set up investigative panel on Election violence
…Okunnu, Ex Punch Chairman, Ogunshola, Uwechue and Justice Uwaifo are members

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday approved the constitution of a panel to investigate pre-election violence in Akwa Ibom State, as well as civil unrest in some states sequel to the 2011 Presidential elections.

The chairman of the panel is Sheikh Ahmed Lemu.

Prominent names on the panel are former Lagos Deputy Governor, Lateefat Okunnu, Ex chairman of Punch Newspapers, Ajibola Ogunshola, Retired Justice Samsom Uwaifo,(Vice chairman), and Ambassador Ralph Uwechue.

Others are Rev Father Idowu Feron, Alhaji Mohammed Danmadami, M.B Wali, Mrs Timiebi Korima-Agary, Peter Esele, Mohammed Ibrahim, Prof Femi Odekunle, Bukar Ibrahim, Adam Idoko, General Mohammed Said Rtd, P.C Okorie, Shamsuna Ahmed General L.P Ugbane, Sani Maikudi, Admiral I. Hotonu, Serving member of the NYSC, while F.F Ogunshakin will serve as secretary.

Terms of reference include to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the strings of mayhem, ascertain number of those killed, indentify the spread and extent of loss and damage to means of livelihood, and assess cost of damage.

They are expected to also investigate source of weapons, and stem the tide of the flow of such weapons.

The panel will be inaugurated on Wednesday May 11, 2011.