Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has instituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent arson, killings, and destruction of property at several Local Government Council headquarters. This decision follows violent attacks on LGA secretariats by unidentified hoodlums on October 7, 2024, which resulted in the burning of buildings and assaults on staff.
Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday. He revealed that members of the commission would be sworn in at 4 PM on the same day.
The statement outlined the purpose of the commission, stating: “Pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has approved the setting up of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the arson, killings, and wanton destruction of property at some Local Government Council Headquarters which occurred on or about Monday, October 7, 2024.”
The members of the commission are as follows:
- Hon. Justice I.R. Minakiri – Chairman
- Barr. Felicia Nwoke – Member
- Prof. Blessing Didia – Member
- Sir Samuel Egbe – Member
- Venerable Alex Usifor – Member
- Barr. Uzor Ikenga – Counsel to the Commission
- Mrs. Inyingi Brown – Secretary
Members are expected to be seated by 3:30 PM before the swearing-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Port Harcourt. The establishment of the commission aims to provide accountability and ensure justice following the disturbing incidents that occurred shortly after the recent local government elections.
