Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken decisive action to address the recent violence that erupted across several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. On Tuesday, Governor Fubara inaugurated a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and destruction of property in various council headquarters. The governor said this violence bore disturbing similarities to the unrest experienced in the state during the buildup to the 2015 general elections.
In his speech at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara emphasized the need for justice and accountability, stating that no one involved in these violent acts would be spared. “I have decided to take this action to find out the immediate and remote causes of this arson. No matter the personalities involved, we must bring them to book,” the governor said.
The newly formed commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, has been given one month to complete its investigation. The members include Mrs. Inyingi Brown as secretary and Uzor Ikenga as counsel, with Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor rounding out the team.
A Call for Accountability
Governor Fubara pointed out that the recent burning of local council secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme LGAs was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence in the state. “On October 5th, we had a local government election. We heard threats of violence, but we never took them seriously because we believed we could manage the situation,” he explained. “But it is very unfortunate that after the election, the threats turned into reality.”
Fubara expressed his determination to uncover the causes of the violence and hold those responsible accountable. He noted that the commission’s work would be critical in preventing future attacks on public property. “This assignment is very important. If it is not done rightly, the enemies of this state will continue,” he warned.
The terms of reference for the commission include identifying the individuals responsible for the violence, evaluating the extent of damage, and determining whether the attacks were politically motivated. Additionally, the commission is tasked with recommending compensation for victims and proposing long-term strategies to prevent future incidents.
Political Tensions and Blame
The crisis in Rivers State has intensified political tensions, particularly between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike, who initially supported Fubara’s candidacy for governor, has since become one of his fiercest critics. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike accused Fubara of being behind the violence that followed the local elections.
“The governor went on television to say the court’s judgment did not forbid conducting elections. He went ahead without security, which invited violence,” Wike said. He also accused Fubara of disregarding court orders, adding, “When you don’t obey the court’s judgment, you are inviting anarchy and violence.”
This political rift has contributed to the instability in Rivers State, with many observers linking the violence to a power struggle between the two men. The situation escalated last October when an attempt was made to impeach Governor Fubara, further deepening divisions within the state’s political landscape.
Calls for Peace and Unity
Governor Fubara, while addressing the recent violence, urged residents to remain calm and avoid being drawn into conflict. “We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands, so we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom,” he said, calling on the public not to engage in further violence.
At the same time, former PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Diran Odeyemi, urged Wike and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to resolve their differences for the sake of peace within the party. He linked the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to the larger divisions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the national level, warning that continued infighting could harm both the party and the state.
Also Read:
- Governor Fubara Launches Judicial Inquiry into Killings, Arson in Rivers State
- Fresh Protests Erupt Against Rivers Local Government Election
Security Forces Step In
In response to the violence, Rivers State’s newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, vowed to restore order in the affected areas. “My task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective LGAs where violence and arson have occurred,” Mohammed said during a media briefing in Port Harcourt. He assured the public that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
As investigations continue, the people of Rivers State wait for justice to be served and for the violence to end. Governor Fubara has made it clear that he will not tolerate lawlessness in the state, promising to work with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.
The recent violence in Rivers State has laid bare deep political divisions and a worrying rise in lawlessness. With a judicial commission now in place to investigate the arson and killings, Governor Fubara has taken a firm stance against those seeking to destabilize the state. However, with accusations flying between political heavyweights, including Fubara and Wike, the situation remains tense. The people of Rivers State can only hope that justice and peace will soon be restored.