Justice Umezulike advised the members to perform their duties “in a manner that would elicit commendation, rather than condemnation from legal and constitutional historians.”
He reminded them that the constitutional or democratic history of Enugu State would never be complete without a chapter of the functions they are about to perform and expressed optimism that they would discharge their functions without fear or favour.
“I must pause here to point out that the chairman and members of this panel have been very carefully chosen to ensure that there are no cleavages that could hinder the effective and impartial performance of the functions they are about to perform. I must inform you very significantly that the glue that holds you together is your uncommon integrity and non partisanship in political activities,” he said.
Umezulike told the panel members that their activities would be monitored and as such “you must conduct yourselves like Caesar’s wife.”
Responding, chairman of the panel, Franklin Orakaeyi, said: “We are not here to witch hunt anybody. We are not politicians and we fully appreciate the nature of our duty which is akin to that of an umpire.”
Orakaeyi promised that the panel would ensure equity, fairness, justice and neutrality in order to justify the confidence reposed in them.
He said their proceedings shall be guided by the rules of the House of Assembly of Enugu State pursuant to Section 188(7) of the 1999 constitution as amended.
“I want to also point out for the benefit of the people that will appear before us that this panel is not a court of law, it is a fact finding panel of enquiry or investigation and as such we shall not allow technicalities to be a clog in the wheel of proceedings,” he said.
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