General News of Saturday, 17 August 2002

Source:  

Yakubu & Co Have Not Been Discharged - Commission

The Wuaku Commission says that former Interior Minister, Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu and two former Government officials have not been discharged for lack of evidence as widely reported. According to Commission, they were discharged on Wednesday and could be recalled when necessary. The other persons are Lt Gen Joshua Hamidu, former National Security Adviser and Major General (rtd) Abubakar Sulemana of the National Security outfit.

The former Minister and Major Sulemana resigned their positions after being implicated in the Dagbon clashes that led to the beheading of the Ya Na Yakubu Andani. Reacting to the media reports, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice I. N. K. Wuaku said none of the witnesses who had appeared before the commission had been discharged for lack of evidence. He urged the media to be circumspect in their reportage on the proceedings of the commission in order not to inflame passions.

Justice Wuaku said the commission was set up not only to find the perpetuators of the Yendi clash but also promote peace in Dagbon. The Andani faction of Dagbon protested against the alleged release of the former government officials while the Minority NDC in Parliament called on the commission to clarify reports that it had discharged the three persons.