Fubara launches judicial probe into Rivers State violence
In response to the recent wave of violence that has rocked Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken a firm stance by establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. The commission, consisting of seven members and chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, has been tasked with investigating the spate of arson, killings, and destruction that followed the state’s local government elections. The violence has resulted in significant property damage and loss of life, prompting the governor to seek accountability and justice.
The commission was officially inaugurated at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt, with Governor Fubara expressing his deep concern over the growing unrest. He likened the current situation to the turmoil experienced during the 2015 general elections, where Rivers State witnessed similar political violence.
“We will not stand by while misguided youths and politically sponsored thugs turn Rivers into a theatre of violence,” Fubara declared, vowing to ensure those responsible face justice. The governor noted the rising threats and hostilities that had escalated in the lead-up to the local elections, acknowledging that initial attempts to contain the situation had failed.
“We never took the threats seriously,” Fubara admitted. “But it is unfortunate that even after the elections, the violence continued.” He emphasized the urgency of restoring peace and stability to Rivers State and underlined the importance of the commission’s work in preventing future unrest.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry has been given a broad mandate to investigate the violence, determine its underlying causes, and identify those responsible. Governor Fubara instructed the commission to assess the extent of the damage to property, estimate financial losses, and evaluate the harm inflicted on citizens during the violent clashes.
A critical part of the commission’s work will be to assess whether the violence was politically motivated and to identify key actors who may have instigated or perpetuated the attacks. Fubara also emphasized the need to scrutinize the role of security agencies in handling the unrest, urging the commission to highlight areas where improvements are needed and to recommend measures for preventing such incidents in the future.
“This is a responsibility that history will not forget,” Governor Fubara reminded the commission members, underscoring the importance of their findings in shaping a more peaceful and secure future for Rivers State. He expressed hope that their work would help to hold perpetrators accountable and restore faith in the state’s governance.
The violence that has plagued Rivers State in recent weeks has left a trail of destruction across local government council headquarters, with several buildings set ablaze and numerous lives lost. As the state grapples with the aftermath, Governor Fubara’s decisive action is a clear signal of his commitment to restoring order and ensuring that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
The commission is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the governor in the coming months, with many citizens of Rivers State anxiously awaiting the results. The outcome of the inquiry will play a key role in determining how the state moves forward from this period of unrest.
