Ajimobi raises six man panel to probe Ibadan plank market inferno
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi, has constituted a six-member panel of inquiry to investigate the two fire incidents that razed the Sango Igbajo Plank Market on Christmas Day and last Monday.
The governor in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government names the state’s Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr Wasiu Gbadegesin, as Chairman of the panel; while the Director, Administration and Supplies in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Paul Oyekunle, will serve as Secretary.
Governor Ajimobi mandated the panel “to examine the immediate and remote causes of the fire incidents, assess the extent of damage and loss to the traders and to recommend appropriate action (s) to stem a recurrence”.
The governor also directed the panel to “proffer any other relevant or suitable advice to the state government that will serve the best interest of the stakeholders, while it has two weeks to submit its report”.
Other members are the Permanent Secretary, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Lekan Busari; Permanent Secretary, Land, Housing & Survey, Mr. Babatunde Ladipo; Acting Perm Secretary, Environment and Habitat, Mr. M. J. Akinlabi; and Director, Fire Services, Mr. Kareem Oyekunle.
The governor however urged all stakeholders in the matter “to either submit memoranda or make recommendations to the panel to facilitate the execution of its task”, saying, “members of the public have been asked to submit their memoranda in eight duplicates to the Secretary of the panel through the Office of the SSG from Tuesday to Thursday, between 8am and 4pm each day.
“Everyone is implored to maintain the peace in the area as government is determined to thoroughly and decisively deal with any one either found disturbing the peace or attempting to do anything untoward at the market.”
ENDS.
