Commissions of inquiry are an essential tool for any government to gather information and investigate various issues that affect the welfare of its citizens. However, it is often seen that these commissions are misused by the head of state as a political tool to serve their own interests. This is a matter of great concern as it not only undermines the credibility of the commission but also hampers the principles of democracy and justice.
A commission of inquiry is a panel of experts appointed by the government to investigate a specific issue. It is expected to be impartial and independent, with a mandate to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and make recommendations based on their findings. These commissions are a vital means to ensure accountability and transparency in the functioning of the government and its institutions. However, in recent times, there have been instances where commissions of inquiry have been used as a political tool by the head of state to target their opponents and suppress dissent.
One of the main reasons for the misuse of commissions of inquiry is the broad and vague terms of reference given by the government. This gives the head of state the power to manipulate the commission to serve their own agenda. The commission may be asked to investigate a specific incident, but the terms of reference can be worded in such a way that it allows the head of state to target their political opponents. This not only compromises the integrity of the commission but also raises questions about the fairness of the investigation.
Moreover, the head of state also has the power to appoint the members of the commission, which further raises concerns about its impartiality. In some cases, the members of the commission are handpicked by the head of state, and they may have a bias towards the ruling party. This not only undermines the credibility of the commission but also erodes public trust in the government.
Furthermore, commissions of inquiry are often used by the head of state to divert attention from more pressing issues and create a distraction. This is a common tactic used by politicians to shift the focus from their own failures and shortcomings. By initiating a commission of inquiry, the head of state can manipulate the media and public discourse, thereby creating a false narrative and shifting blame onto their opponents. This not only wastes valuable time and resources but also delays the resolution of critical issues.
Another way in which commissions of inquiry are used as a political tool is by delaying their findings and recommendations. The head of state can use their influence to prolong the investigation, which gives them more time to manipulate the outcome. In some cases, the commission may even be disbanded without any concrete results, leaving the public in the dark about the truth. This not only undermines the purpose of the commission but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.
In addition to all these concerns, the misuse of commissions of inquiry also has a detrimental effect on the rule of law. It sends a message that those in power are above the law and can use their authority to suppress their opponents. This not only undermines the principles of democracy but also creates a culture of fear and intimidation among the citizens. The misuse of commissions of inquiry also hampers the effective functioning of other government institutions, as their independence and credibility are compromised.
In conclusion, commissions of inquiry are a critical tool for any government to ensure transparency and accountability. However, when these commissions are misused as a political tool by the head of state, it not only undermines their credibility but also erodes public trust in the government. The government must take responsibility and ensure that commissions of inquiry are used for their intended purpose and not as a means to serve their own interests. Only then can we have a fair and just society where the rule of law prevails.
