Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said that the government would announce on Wednesday the results of the investigation into Dhi Qar demonstrations last February, during which seven were killed and over 30 others injured.
During the cabinet meeting, Kadhimi stated that the government has worked for months to address the crisis and demands of the people in Nasiriyah and allocated a special fund for the reconstruction of Dhi Qar.
“We hope that his money will be spent in the interest of the people of the province.”
Addressing the issue of choosing a new governor to succeed Nazim al-Waeli, who was dismissed on popular demand last February, the prime minister said that due to well-known circumstances and various legal problems, the position of the governor of Dhi Qar has become vacant.
“We decided to choose the governor of Dhi Qar after consultations and interviews that included most of the popular, tribal, and administrative parties in the governorate,” Kadhimi was quoted by INA as saying.
He indicated that regardless of the name of the governor, people in Dhi Qar need to cooperate with the local government for the better of the governorate.
Kadhimi intends to appoint an advisory council in Nasiriyah to follow up daily on the details of the reconstruction campaign in coordination with the governor.
According to reports, the premier is considering cardiovascular specialist Dr. Ahmed al-Khafaji to replace National Security chief and interim governor Abdul Ghani al-Asadi.
Meanwhile, the Federal Commission of Integrity summoned Weali for allegations of blackmail and financial extortion of local government and oil officials, in accordance with the provisions order 160 of 1983.
Last March, the Commission also summoned five local officials in Dhi Qar, including the former governor.
Over the past few months, angry protesters marched the streets of Nasiriyah demanding holding to account the corrupt and those involved in the incident. They clashed with law enforcement forces, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several activists.
In another development, Ali al-Zirjawi, a senior Sadrist leader, was assassinated on Tuesday evening in Nasiriyah by unknown gunmen.
Security authorities did not comment on the incident, but sources revealed that he was killed due to tribal disputes, according to preliminary data.
