Gov Emmanuel inaugurates panel of enquiry on Uyo building collapse

Vanguard reports that Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has inaugurated an eight-man Commission of Enquiry to investigate the building collapse tragedy at Reigners Bible Church last weekend that claimed the lives of several worshippers.

The commission has Justice Umoekeyo Essang (retd) as Chairman, and Emem Victor Daniel of the Ministry of Justice as Secretary.

Other members are; James, Utiaruk,  Essien Nkanga, Assistant Commissioner of Police Damian Abibo; Prophet John Linus; Asuquo B. Okon; and Engr.

According to Vanguard, the governor, who charged the Commission to investigate the circumstances that led to the collapse of the church building, also read out the terms of reference to include, investigation and probing the immediate and remote cause of the collapse of the building and examine the role played by any person, institution or authorities as well as the consequences of such roles in the collapse of the church building.

The panel was also charged, “to identify any person, institution or authorities responsible, either remotely or directly, 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.”

Governor Emmanuel equally tasked the commission to indict persons, organisations or otherwise found culpable in the course of its inquiry and make appropriate recommendations to government.

The panel which has three weeks to submit its report, was also asked 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, Justice Essang, commiserated with the government and people of the state on the tragic incident and thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged to commit all effort at their disposal to justify the confidence, Vanguard reports.

Source: Vanguard