Imo: Judicial Commission Of Inquiry Into Contracts Begins

By Gideon Njoku

In a bid to ascertain the true situation of Contracts awarded in Imo State – executed and not executed, paid for or not paid for, legal or illegal, the Judicial Commission Of Inquiry set up to confirm, held its inaugural session on Tuesday,  December 3, 2019.

The session was declared open by the Commission’s Chairman, Hon. Justice B.C. Iheka with members present.

The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Emeka Ihedioha, CON, had on August 9, inaugurated the eight-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into contracts awarded in the State between June, 2011 to 29th May, 2019.

Declaring  the session open, Justice Iheka assured fairness to all, insisting that: ” Although the status of the Commission is Judicial, it is not a Court of Law, and so,  does not conduct the trial of any person, persons or institutions, but only inquiries into the conduct and the manner  Contracts were awarded, executed or otherwise, and paid for in the State within the period  under review.

” In other words, it is only a fact finding/investigative body which upon conclusion of its findings/ investigation, submits its Report with recommendations to the Government that set it up.”

He, then, emphasized: “Nobody is on trial”.

By the item six of the Inauguration Instrument,  the Commission’s Term’s of Reference, he disclosed, are:

* To examine the records of contracts awarded in the State from 1st June, 2011 to 29th May, 2019.

* To ascertain the nature and cost component of each contract.

*To ascertain the degree and extent of performance of each contract.

* To ascertain the payments, so far made, for each contract, and outstanding balance, if any.

*To determine and unravel who the real contractors are, and, investigate who the directors of the companies awarded such contracts are.

* To exercise all powers conferred on the Commission by S.8 of the Law and,  to do all things incidental to the terms of reference.

*To recommend relevant necessary actions to be taken toward ensuring that the Imo State Government and people of Imo State obtain appropriate value for money spent in such contracts.

* To make general and specific recommendations to the Government, based on their findings.

The Chairman, also, said the sittings will be public.

The inaugural session was attended by a number of stakeholders, petitioners and observers.

The real sitting begins on Wednesday at Court 9,  by 10am.