Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent wave of killings, arson, and destruction of property in various local government council secretariats across the state. The governor announced the commission’s formation during a ceremony at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The commission, which consists of seven members, is led by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri as the chairman. Mrs. Inyingi Brown serves as the secretary, and Uzor Ikenga is the commission’s counsel. Other members include Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor. The commission has been tasked with completing its investigation within one month.
In a statement released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara condemned the recent violence, which took place on October 7, 2024. The governor described the attacks as reminiscent of the violence seen in 2014, months before the 2015 general elections, when courts were burned, residences bombed, and people killed, forcing courts in Rivers State to close.
Governor Fubara expressed his determination to hold those responsible accountable, stating, “We will not look away while misguided youths and political thugs destroy the state. No matter who is involved, they must be brought to justice.” He emphasized that the investigation would uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the violence.
Fubara explained that the violence had been building for some time. He referenced incidents from October 2023, where similar tensions were ignored due to the belief that the conflicts were internal to the political family. “We thought the disagreements could be settled internally,” Fubara said. However, continued violence has escalated to a point where the state’s peace is at risk. “It has become very clear that this state is turning into a place where law and order no longer exist, and we cannot allow that to continue.”
The governor also pointed to threats made ahead of the local government elections on October 5, 2024, noting that despite the warnings, authorities did not anticipate the level of violence that followed. “We heard threats before the election, but we didn’t take them seriously. Unfortunately, the day after the election, things took a dangerous turn,” he added.
Governor Fubara urged the members of the commission to approach their work with dedication and fairness, stressing the importance of their findings. “God has chosen you for this assignment, and history will not forget the responsibility you have been given,” he told the commission.
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The governor outlined several key areas for the commission to address in their investigation, including determining the causes of the violence, identifying those responsible for the attacks, and assessing the damage to property and human lives. The commission is also expected to examine whether the violence was politically motivated and evaluate the response of security agencies.
Additionally, the commission will recommend measures for compensating victims, preventing future incidents, and implementing policy reforms to improve community engagement and conflict resolution. The commission is required to submit its report within one month.
Fubara acknowledged the difficult nature of the task but urged the commission members to rise to the challenge. “This will not be easy, but you must do what is right for the good of Rivers State,” he concluded.
With the launch of the judicial inquiry, the people of Rivers State hope for a thorough investigation and swift justice for those affected by the recent violence.