From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Commission of Inquiry investigating last December clash between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Shi’ites and the Nigerian Army has been extended for four weeks by the Kaduna State Government.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan said the extension followed  a formal request by the chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Muhammed Lawal Garba.

The commission, when it was inaugurated, was given six weeks from its first sitting to submit its final report.

With the first public sitting held on  February 22, 2016, the final report of the commission was expected by April 4, 2016.

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However, proceedings of the commission have been repeatedly adjourned since its first public sitting. The adjournments were granted to enable IMN to submit a memorandum, but to no avail.

“The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria clash has been granted a four-week extension to conclude its job. The Kaduna State Government has granted the extension at the request of the chairman of the Commission of Inquiry.

“Four subsequent sittings of the commission on  February 24, 29  and  March 7 and 14, 2016 also ended in adjournments as the commission  sought to provide a level playing field and  an opportunity that is fair to all parties involved in the subject of the inquiry.

“These adjournments have taken up the time allotted to the inquiry, and as such more time is required to conduct the business of the inquiry and submit a final report.

Following a formal request by Justice Muhammed Lawal Garba, chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, the government of Kaduna State has given the commission four more weeks to complete the inquiry,” the statement said.