JUST IN: Gov Fubara Constitutes Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Arson, Violence at LG Secretariats (Full List)

In response to the recent wave of violence and destruction in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and extensive damage at several Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats. The incidents occurred on Monday, October 7, 2024, as unrest erupted following the inauguration of newly elected LGA officials.

The commission, which will be chaired by Hon. Justice I.R. Minakiri, has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the attacks on the secretariats of Emohua, Eleme, Ikwerre, and other LGAs targeted by suspected hoodlums. This comes after reports that mobs set fire to the buildings and disrupted the functioning of local governance in an apparent effort to prevent the newly sworn-in officials from assuming office.

Governor Fubara, in his statement, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and pledged that those responsible for the destruction would face justice. The governor had previously warned of potential unrest during the swearing-in ceremony of 23 new chairpersons, following a controversial local election marred by political tension.

The members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry 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

The commission will investigate not only the acts of arson but also the reported killings and the widespread destruction of property that accompanied the attacks. As the situation remains tense in the state, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring law and order while ensuring the safety of public officials and workers.

This move follows a day of chaos in Rivers State, as outlined in a previous report where three LGA secretariats, including Emohua, Eleme, and Ikwerre, were set ablaze by mobs. The unrest has been attributed to political conflicts, notably the rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.