Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate human rights abuses and public discontent in the state from June 1, 2003 till date.
A statement signed by Semiu Okanlawon, the state’s Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy, explained that the Commission was set up under Section 2(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 29, Laws of Osun State 2002.
The Commission has one month to complete its assignment with Samson Uwaifo, a retired Supreme Court justice as chairman. Other members are Yunus Ustaz-Usman Ayo Atsenuwa, Funmi Falana, Hakeem Yusuff,
Bamidele Aturu, and Waheed Lawal. Nurudeen Ogbara will serve as the secretary of the Commission.
Mr. Okanlawon said that the inquiry was to facilitate redress, promote reconciliation, and prevent possible future re-occurrence of such human rights abuses. He said the term of reference of the commission include identifying the nature of the discontent in the state, and causes of human right violation.
Other terms of reference include identification of person or persons, authorities, institutions or organisations which may be held accountable for such acts and determine the motives for the violations or abuses, the victims and circumstances thereof and the effect on such victims and the society generally of the atrocities.
The commission, Mr Okanlawon said, would also examine and advise on the ways and means of bringing peace, amity and concord among all concerned. The Commission which will hold its public hearings at the State High Court in Osogbo, the state capital, or such other places as it may determine will commence its inquiry on February 15 and submit its report on or before March 30.
He asked members of the public to forward their memoranda to the commission.
