Court stops panel on political killings in Rivers

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Thursday granted an interim injunction, restraining the commission of inquiry on political killings in Rivers State from operating in the state.

The commission, which was set up by the State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, on April 16, 2015, was expected to begin sitting on Monday, May 4, 2015, having received memoranda from members of the public.

But the Peoples Democratic Party in the state had, in the suit,  FHC/PH/FHR/256/2015, moved against the setting up of the commission.

The presiding judge of the court, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, gave an order restraining the respondents from taking further action in connection with the sitting of the panel pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction that was set by the 10^th respondent (Amaechi) pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Nganjiwa stated that in view of the urgency attached to the matter, the court had abridged the time for the respondents to file their responses within three days upon service.

The judge said, “An order restraining the Respondents  from taking further steps in connection with the sitting of the commission of Inquiry, instituted by the 10th Respondent (Governor Chibuike Amaechi), pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

“That in view of the urgency attached to this matter, time is of essence, the court has abridged the time for the Respondents to file their response within three days upon service.”

Respondents in the matter are Chairman of the commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, nine other members of his body, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Attorney General of the state, Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police  and the state Commissioner of Police.

Justice Nganjiwa, however, adjourned the matter to May 6, 2015 for hearing.

“That the matter is adjourned to 6th day of May, 2015, for hearing of the motion on notice  for interlocutory injunction,” the judge said.

Amaechi had inaugurated a nine-member commission of inquiry to investigate politically motivated killings in the state.

Other members of the commission of inquiry are Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Professor Owunari Georgewill, Dr. Richard Ofuru, Mrs. Asivosuo Oriye, Dr. Joy Ejiofor, Mrs. Ayo Obe and Rev. Father Michael Akiri as members.