In a move aimed at restoring peace and accountability, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the alarming incidents of arson, killings, and widespread destruction of property that have plagued several Local Government Council Headquarters across Rivers State. The commission was officially inaugurated on Tuesday at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Comprising seven members, the commission is tasked with a challenging assignment: to unravel the causes of the violence that erupted following local government elections held on October 5, 2024. Governor Fubara expressed the urgency of the inquiry, noting that the recent attacks bore a disturbing resemblance to the pre-election violence experienced in 2014, which resulted in court burnings and loss of life.
“The state cannot become a theater of violence while we look away,” Governor Fubara stated, emphasizing that those responsible for these heinous acts must be brought to justice. He underscored the significance of the commission’s work, asserting that failure to address these issues would empower the enemies of Rivers State to perpetuate further chaos.
The commission will be chaired by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, with Mrs. Inyingi Brown serving as Secretary and Barrister Uzor Ikenga as Counsel. Other notable members include Barrister Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor. They have been given one month to complete their investigation.
The governor outlined the terms of reference, which include identifying the causes and instigators of the violence, assessing the damage to property and human lives, evaluating the response of security agencies, and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences. “This is a historical responsibility,” he urged the members, reminding them that their findings could significantly influence the state’s trajectory.
Reflecting on the recent turmoil, Governor Fubara noted that his administration had previously underestimated the threats emerging before the elections, believing they were manageable. “It has become increasingly clear that our state is drifting away from law and order,” he lamented. The governor highlighted a concerning pattern of violent political conflicts that have led to mistrust among former allies, complicating efforts to foster internal reconciliation.
In the wake of the election, reports of violence escalated, prompting the governor to take swift action. He reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the destruction of council secretariats in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas.
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It bears mentioning that Governor Fubara also took the opportunity to commend the citizens of Rivers State for their patience and composure amid the ongoing turmoil. “We must choose peace over violence,” he asserted, urging the public to resist the temptation to respond with aggression. “We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands,” he metaphorically expressed, advocating for a thoughtful approach to navigating the current crisis.
