TheCable

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general (IG) of police, has inaugurated the panel setup to investigate alleged malpractices in the legislative rerun election in Rivers state.

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, has also inaugurated the commission of inquiry he set up to investigate the violence that marred the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said at least 70 incidents of violence were recorded in the exercise.

Both panels have been given 30 days  to submit their findings.

“The panel which is to conduct its investigation in conjunction with a team from the Department of States Services (DSS) has the following terms of reference; one, conduct a thorough investigation into the role of security agents before, during and after the election,” Idris said.

“Two, examine the role of any police officer or security agent whose actions or activities individually or collectively was detrimental to the good conduct of the elections. Three, conduct a forensic analysis on the audio report released by Sahara Reporters as it concerns the election.

“Four, examine any other matter that is relevant to the conduct of the elections, and make recommendations and implementation strategies to guide future elections.”

On his part, Wike called on members of the commission to stand by the  truth and be courageous in the discharge of their assignment.

He charged them to find out the number of those killed and the people responsible  for  their deaths.

“This judicial commission of inquiry is not to investigate how  they conducted their elections. You are to investigate  the  murders that attended the elections,” he said.

“Those  involved  in  the  killings will face the full  weight of the law. This government  has the capacity to follow through.”