Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the recent incidents of arson, killings, and the destruction of property at various local government council secretariats across the state. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the seven-member commission, held on Tuesday at the Executive Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The details of the commission were shared in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to reporters. The commission has been given a one-month timeframe to complete its investigation. Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri will serve as the Chairman, with Mrs. Inyingi Brown acting as the Secretary and Uzor Ikenga as legal counsel. The commission’s other members include Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor.
Governor Fubara expressed concern over the recent attacks and the burning of local government councils’ secretariats on October 7, 2024, noting that these events resemble the turmoil experienced in 2014, just months before the general elections of 2015. At that time, courts were set on fire, residences were bombed, and lives were lost, which ultimately led to the closure of courts in Rivers State.
Fubara emphasized that his administration will not turn a blind eye to the actions of misguided youths and politically sponsored thugs who threaten to turn the state into a battleground of violence. He made it clear that those responsible for such crimes against the state will be held accountable for their actions.
