POSITION PAPER BY URHOBO PROGRESS UNION, (UPU) YOUTH WING, WORLDWIDE AND URHOBO YOUTH LEADERS ASSOCIATION (UYLA) ON NONPARTICIPATION IN THE MILITARY BOARD OF INQUIRY REGARDING THE OKUAMA INCIDENT
Following the invitation of Chief Edwin Uzor JP, the Special Adviser to the Governor
of Delta State on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, to Activist Blessed Ughere,
the President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Youth Wing Worldwide and Chief
Samuel Oghotomo JP, President, Urhobo Youths Leaders Association, we have taken
a principled stance. We will not 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.
We outline below the legal, ethical, and humanitarian reasons that inform our
decision.
The doctrine of ‘Nemo judex in causa sua’ (No one should be a judge in their own case):
The Nigerian Army, being a party involved in the matter, cannot impartially conduct
an investigation or adjudication. More so, when the Army has already taken
a 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.
President, Urhobo Progress Union, Youth Wing, Worldwide
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 forefront of keeping this nation secure and safe.
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 forefront 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 is still under siege while a 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 eroded 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.
Once again, the Urhobo Progress Union, Youth Wing Worldwide and the Urhobo
Youths Leaders Association, stands firmly by its decision not to participate in the
military-led Board of Inquiry unless the aforementioned conditions are met. We
remain committed to justice, transparency, and the welfare of our people.
Signed:
Activist Blessed Ughere,
President, Urhobo Progress Union, Youth Wing
Olorogun Amb. Samuel Oghotomo JP,
President, Urhobo Youths Leaders Association