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Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Several weeks after its inauguration, the Commission of Inquiry into activities of surveillance contractors to oil serving and oil companies is yet to receive any memorandum, its Chairman, Justice Margret Akpomiemie(retd), has said.
The commission was inaugurated on February 8, by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, following a floodgate of complaints on alleged unwholesome activities of some surveillance contractors.
Justice Akpomiemie, who disclosed this at the inaugural sitting of the commission, said the commission is determined to accomplish its tasks, in line with seven terms of reference handed down to it by governor Dickson.
While pointing out that evidence is required for the commission to be able to discharge its duties effectively and creditably, she said all those affected by the operations of the surveillance contracts, including persons, communities and oil companies, should come forward. She said no memorandum had yet been submitted.
“I wish to state here that no memorandum has been received by the commission. The commission would like to emphasise that oral and documentary evidences are essential for the determination of the issues raised in the terms of reference. It is common knowledge that he who asserts must prove. Finally, the commission wants all to know that submission for memorandum is still open and those who, for one reason or the other, cannot submit written memorandum should appear before the commission and give oral evidence on oath,” she said.
