Rivers State Governor Inaugurates Judicial Commission to Probe Post-Election Violence

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially inaugurated a seven-person Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incidents of arson, killings, and property destruction that transpired at multiple Local Government Council Headquarters in the state. The announcement was made through a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The inauguration took place at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt, with Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri appointed as the chairman of the commission. Mrs. Inyingi Brown has been named as the secretary, and Uzor Ikenga will serve as counsel. The other members of the commission include Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor.

Governor Fubara expressed concern over the recent burning of local government council secretariats, which he likened to the violent incidents of 2014 that led to the suspension of court operations in Rivers State. Emphasizing the importance of the commission’s work, he stated, “I have decided to take this action to find out the immediate and remote causes of this arson. Most importantly, no matter the personalities involved, we must bring them to book.” He assured the commission that any attempts to obstruct their work would be addressed sternly.

The judicial panel has been tasked with investigating the root causes of the violence and identifying responsible individuals or groups. They are also required to assess the damage to property and human life, estimate the financial losses, and determine whether the violence was politically motivated. The commission has a one-month deadline to complete its report.

This development comes in the wake of recent elections in the state, which according to Governor Fubara, were marred by threats and violence. He pointed out that the violence escalated following the elections, with allegations of arson and clashes involving political supporters.

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State Governor, accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the violence following Saturday’s local government polls. Wike claimed that Governor Fubara’s disregard for court judgments concerning the election was a catalyst for the unrest.

The ongoing political rivalry between Fubara and Wike, who was instrumental in supporting Fubara’s governorship campaign, has intensified since the latter took office. The conflict reached its peak with an attempted impeachment process against Fubara last year.

Despite the tensions, Fubara has remained resolute in his decision to investigate the violence, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. He emphasized the need to work closely with security agencies to bring those responsible to justice. Furthermore, the newly appointed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, has vowed to restore peace and order in affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Wike’s comments, urging him and his supporters to seek legal redress if dissatisfied with the election outcomes. Sydney Gbara, the PDP Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, defended the governor’s actions, asserting that Fubara was adhering to Supreme Court mandates regarding local government elections.