By Archibong Jeremiah, House Of Assembly Correspondent
Hon. Elucate Ekom Okara, Chairman Cross River Staste House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution has disclosed exclusively to CrossRiverWatch that his Committee has received several petitions from government establishments and citizens of the State requesting for investigation of the sale of some government property.
Elaborating on the petitions, Elucate said, “We have before us petitions regarding some of the government properties that were sold out without due process.
“We are trying to investigate the claims and any one found wanting will be made to face to full wrath of the law. The Committee will stand in as the last point of defense for the common man and the State”.
According to him, his Committee derived its mandate from House Rule 64 (4.12) which he described as a mandate with broad spectrum of responsibilities to the State and the citizens adding that, “We are there to ensure that the government conducts its activities within the purview of due process and that the citizens’ rights are not trampled upon”.
With hike on extra judicial killings by Police personnel in the State, the member who represents Obubra 2 State constituency said: “Essentially the history of extra judicial killings occasioned by Police action and inaction is one we have to take seriously.
“If such a matter is brought before my Committee, a clinical analysis of the matter will be done, with the composite experience in the committee we would be able to determine where the issues lie and how to un-bottle the issue and bring solutions so that there will be justice to the victim.
“My Committee can initiate action within the limits of the State legislature; we can also correspond with the National Assembly through the relevant committee”.
He advocated for the creation of state police and the most efficient way of combating crime in the state. His words: “State police is the readiest option available to deal with the current security challenges we have but because of the fear of over politicization of that institution, it is not possible that it can serve its purpose. The existing Federal Police structure should be adequately equipped; the remedy is to give them the requisite working tools”.
Hon. Ekom Okara encouraged his constituents and Cross Riverians at large to build trust in the 8th Assembly because only their support and trust can make the Assembly remain on the path of truth and justice.
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