Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has inaugurated a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the recent wave of arson, killings, and destruction of property across various Local Government Council Headquarters in the state.
The announcement was made through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, on Tuesday.
The commission was inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt and is chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri.
The commission includes Mrs. Inyingi Brown as secretary, Uzor Ikenga as counsel, and members Felicia Nwoke, Prof. Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor. The commission is mandated to conclude its investigation within one month.
Governor Fubara expressed his concerns regarding the recent violence, drawing parallels to similar incidents that occurred in 2014, which coincided with the lead-up to the 2015 General Elections.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the issue, stating, “We will not look away while ill-guided youths and sponsored political thugs turn the state into a theatre of violence.”
During the inauguration, Fubara highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to understand the root causes of the violence, affirming that accountability is essential regardless of the individuals involved. He remarked, “If we are right, it is going to be the end of further destruction of public property in the state.”
The governor articulated the urgent necessity of the commission, noting that the state appears to be descending into lawlessness. He recalled the threats and unrest leading up to the recent local government elections, stating, “Rather than getting close to the path of peace, this state is gradually turning into a kingdom where law and order is no longer the order of the day.”
Fubara assured that his administration would collaborate closely with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services to identify and hold accountable those behind the recent violence. He expressed confidence in the commission’s ability to address the situation, emphasizing a need for peace over violence.
With the commission’s inauguration, Governor Fubara also swore in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council, underlining his administration’s commitment to governance and order.
“We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands,” Fubara stated, urging calm and wisdom in the face of the recent turmoil. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining peace in Rivers State and preventing further incidents of violence.
