in their reliefs, the Applicants sought for a declaration that the constitution of the Inquiry Commission on March 8 this year by the State Governor was illegal and unconstitutional as it violated the applicants right to fair hearing.

Also sought through the court was an order prohibiting the Inquiry Commission from considering examining any allegation or complaint concerning the applicants in any manner whatsoever and howsoever.

Other declaratory reliefs sought were that the warrant of Arrest on the last two applicants made by the Commission on April 13, 2004 was also illegal, null and void and unconstitutional and an order restraining the first to third respondents whether by themselves, their agents, privies or servants from making any order, recommendation or findings in respect of the applicants.

In his nine-page judgment delivered last Thursday, Justice Olayiwola stated that before dealing with the merits of the matter, there were however, some preliminary issues which have to be addressed first.

Said the judge: "I therefore see Exhibit 1 on behalf of the respondents and applicants as the two side to the same coin. More so, Exhibit F1 was the speech of the Chief Executive to the State and no one should take any weight from the speech of the Chief Executive by whittling down what it contains - Judicial Commission of Inquiry."

The judge said that in his opinion, Exhibit F1, the speech of the Chief Executive is complete in intent composition and terms of reference that it can stand on its own to justify the reactions of the affected as they have done.

Citing extensive legal authorities to buttress his judgment, Justice Olayiwola remarked while drawing the curtain, "In the light of the above, I am of the view that the applicants are entitled to the reliefs sought. It is therefore ordered accordingly."