Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the recent arson, killings, and destruction of property at various Local Government Council Headquarters throughout the state.
This announcement was made in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, on Tuesday.
The commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, includes Inyingi Brown as secretary, Uzor Ikenga as counsel, and members Felicia Nwoke, Blessing Didia, Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor. They have been given one month to complete their investigation.
Governor Fubara expressed deep concern over the violent incidents, describing them as reminiscent of the unrest during the 2014 electoral period, which resulted in court burnings, bombings, and fatalities. He stated, “We will not turn a blind eye to ill-guided youths and politically sponsored thugs turning our state into a theater of violence.”
He emphasized the commission’s critical role in uncovering both the immediate and underlying causes of the violence, insisting that no matter the individuals involved, those responsible must be held accountable. “This assignment is essential,” he said, warning that failure to address these issues could embolden further destruction of public property.
Reflecting on the recent local government elections held on October 5, 2024, Fubara noted that prior to the polls, there were warnings of potential violence that were not taken seriously. “Unfortunately, the violence we anticipated did occur, both during and after the election,” he added.
Fubara urged the commission to thoroughly evaluate the extent of damage inflicted on property and lives, assess whether the violence was politically motivated, and identify those behind the attacks. He also called for recommendations on compensation for victims and long-term strategies to prevent future incidents.
Earlier, in a televised interview, former Governor Nyesom Wike accused Fubara of being the mastermind behind the unrest following the local elections. Wike, who initially supported Fubara’s candidacy, claimed that Fubara’s disregard for court judgments and his public statements invited chaos and violence.
Amid these political tensions, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Mustapha Mohammed, pledged to swiftly restore order in areas affected by violence and arson.
He acknowledged the unique security challenges facing Rivers, which include political unrest, cultism, and armed robbery, emphasizing a proactive approach to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
