Gov Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State
Following the incident of the collapsed Reigners Bible Church Int’l, Uyo, resulting to the death of 26 persons, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has constituted an eight-member Commission of Enquiry to to investigate into the remote and immediate cause of the incident.
The commission has Justice Umoekeyo Essang (Rtd), as Chairman, with Engr. James, Utiaruk; Arc. Essien Nkanga; Assistant Commissioner of Police Damian Abibo; Prophet (Dr.) John Linus; Engr. Asuquo B. Okon; and Engr. James Amiang, as members, while Barr. (Mrs) Emem Victor Daniel of the Ministry of Justice, serves as Secretary of the Commission.
Inaugurating the members in his office on Thursday, the Governor charged the Commission to inquire into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the Reigners Bible Church building in Uyo last weekend.
Among the terms of reference include, investigating and probing of the immediate and remote cause of the collapse of the building and examine the role played by any person, institution or authorities and the consequences of such roles in the collapse of the church building.
The commission was also charged to identify any person, institution or authorities responsible either remotely or immediately in respect of the collapse of the church building; recommend appropriate sanctions and or actions against all persons found culpable in the said church building collapse; examine generally all circumstances surrounding the collapsed church building and recommend measures and actions to be taken by any person, institution or authority to guard against future occurrences.
Governor Emmanuel further tasked the commission to “Indict persons, organisations, groups or otherwise found culpable in the course of its inquiry and make appropriate recommendations to Government.
The commission which has three (3) weeks from the date of its first sitting to submit its interim report, was also urged to “Make such further examinations or inquiry which may, in its opinions, give effect generally to the terms of reference herein or its purport.”
Responding, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Umoekeyo Essang, commiserated with the Government and people of the state on the tragic incident.
He thanked the Governor for the confidence in the members and pledged to commit all effort at their disposal to justify the confidence.
Naija Echo 