By Sunday Apah
The Urhobo Progress Union Youth Wing Worldwide and the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association have both declined participation in the Military Board of Inquiry regarding the incident at Okuama.
The two groups opted out through a statement signed by Olorogun Samuel Oghotomo, President of the Urhobo Youth Leaders Association and
Activist Ughere Blessed, President of the UPU Youth Wing Worldwide, and presented at the meeting of the Army Panel of Inquiry in collaboration with the Delta State Government led by Chief Edwon Uzor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution at Governor’s Annex, Edjeba, Warri, Delta State.
They cited the involvement of the Nigerian Army in the matter as a reason for their decision, believing that the Army, being a party to the issue, would not be able to conduct an unbiased investigation or adjudication.
The statement further emphasizes the principle that “no one should be a judge in their own case.” Therefore, they have decided not to participate in the Military Board of Inquiry investigating the tragic events of March 17 in Okuama, Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, until specific conditions are met.
“More so, when the Army have already taken position by declaring eight (8) persons wanted without inviting them for proper investigation. This fundamental principle of natural justice prohibits biased entities from presiding over cases where they have vested interests.
“It is our considered view that Okuama people are not subject to military laws. Therefore, a military-led inquiry lacks the legal authority to investigate civilians’ matters.
“We demand that the culprits responsible for the gruesome killings be apprehended and handed over to the police for prosecution. We dissociate ourselves from these individuals, as it is not in our character as Urhobo people to take lives, let alone that of the Army who have been in the fore-front of keeping this nation secure and safe.
“We call for the unconditional release of the Ovie of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom to his people. The Army should cease the harassment of Urhobo neighboring communities to Okuama.
“Just yesterday the Army invaded Olota community, arrested community leaders and set houses ablaze and Okuama community still under siege while panel of inquiry is ongoing.
“The composition of the panel raises concerns about bias and impartiality. The military’s previous declarations and actions, including declaring Okuama community leaders as ‘wanted’ in various media outlets, undermine the credibility of the Board of Inquiry.
“Additionally, conflicting statements from the Chief of Defense Staff, CDS General Christopher Musa further erode trust in the military’s ability to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation. Initially attributing it to oil bunkering activities, the Army later implicated both Okuama and Okoloba communities.
Such inconsistencies raise questions that an independent panel of inquiry should address. For a fair and transparent inquiry, an independent body such as the Police should lead the investigation.
“A commission of inquiry, not set up by the Army, would ensure impartiality and adherence to the principles of natural justice. The doctrine of ‘Nemo judex in causa sua’ underscores the necessity for the investigating authority to be composed of impartial individuals, free from bias and interference.
“The Okuama community is currently displaced, making it impractical and unsafe for them to participate in the inquiry. The ongoing military cordon-and-search operation has further exacerbated the situation, causing immense hardship and insecurity for the displaced residents.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Army over the loss of 17 of her officers and men. We believe the Army should set up a panel of inquiry to investigate how the affected soldiers could lose their lives so cheaply and tragically to civilians.
“We urge the Military to reconsider the composition of the Board of Inquiry and transfer the responsibility of investigation to an independent body capable of ensuring a fair and impartial process.
“We also call upon the Delta State government to intervene and facilitate the safe return of Okuama residents to their homes, provide necessary humanitarian assistance, and address the root causes of the conflict”, it added