The Commission of Inquiry on election violence set up by Bayelsa State Gov. Seriake Dickson has commenced sitting.
This is coming as the death of the Government House photographer, Reginald Dei, who was shot during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections was announced on Monday.
The Chairman of the commission, Justice Ineikadei Eradiri, assured that the body would abide strictly with its terms of reference and would avoid any matter that bordered on the actual conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, pointing out that matters concerning conduct of elections fell within the jurisdiction of the relevant election petition tribunals already set up.
The commission, at its sitting on Monday, admitted evidences from complainants at the Multi-Door Court House in Yenagoa even as the chairman explained that the it would hear oral, documentary and other forms of evidence from witnesses.
He appealed to all those involved to observe the rules of engagement.
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Justice Eradiri further assured that its would maintain the highest level of independence, fairness, impartiality while abiding by its oath of office calling on those with useful information to come forward and testify so as to assist the commission.
He also warned that anyone caught threatening witnesses, would be deal with and urged witnesses to report such matters to the police.
The Secretary of the Commission, Dr Richard Ogbe, in his comments said the commission was apolitical.
Lead Counsel to the family of the late Seidougha Taribi who was killed at Oweikorogha Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, Ben Dotimiye-Braye, cross examined his witnesses, Mr Moses Taribi and Mr Doodei Week, who presented evidences to the commission.
The Counsel to the commission, Prof. Festus Emiri, also cross examined the two witnesses who narrated the circumstances leading to the death of Taribi.
The inquiry, which continues on Tuesday with more witnesses expected, would end on Friday.
