By Sunday Elijah
Rivers State Government has set up a 7-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate Monday’s attacks and burning of government property following local government elections in the state.
Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, while inaugurating the Panel in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said that it has become necessary to investigate the incidents that resulted in the death and bodily harm on some citizens.
“On October 5, just four days ago, we held an election in this State. Before the election, we heard alarming threats and calls for conflict, but we did not take them seriously because we believed that a local government election is the prerogative of the State government. It has nothing to do with anyone outside the confines of our State, and we strongly believed that we could manage any challenges that arose to fulfill the purpose of that election,” he said.
Gov. Fubara urged members of the Commission to be courageous and ensure that no sacred cow is spared, saying everyone remotely or directly involved should be brought to book.
“It is very unfortunate that on Monday, we witnessed events reminiscent of those before 2015, when courts were bombed, houses were burnt, and murder and assassination were rampant, leading to the closure of courts. We cannot fold our hands as a government and allow this to happen again; thus, I have decided to take action to uncover the immediate and remote causes of these incidents.”
He emphasised that regardless of the personalities involved, they must be brought to justice and tasked members of the Commission to do a thorough job.
“I know it will be very challenging, and I can assure you there will be threats, but you must remain strong. God did not make a mistake by bringing you here at this time; I keep saying this is for a purpose, and history will not forget the responsibility you are taking on today.”
The governor handed out a 9-point terms of reference to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to include,
1) determining the underlying causes of the violence and identify the individuals or groups responsible for the attacks on some Local Government headquarters and the harm caused to citizens;
2) evaluating the extent of damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives, and estimate the financial losses incurred;
3) examining whether the violence was politically motivated; if so, identify the key players and their roles in instigating the violence and
4) assessing the effectiveness of the security agencies’ response to the violence and identify areas for improvement.
5).investigate the actions of individuals and groups involved in the violence in light of the relevant laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015;
6) advise on adequate compensation and support for victims and their families, as well as measures to prevent further occurrences;
7) make recommendations on a long-term strategy to prevent similar incidents in the future, including recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms;
8.) recommend appropriate sanctions for individuals, regardless of their status, and groups found culpable and
9) make other relevant recommendations based on its findings that the commission may consider appropriate.
In a remark, Chairman of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri commended Gov Fubara for setting up Panel and finding them worthy of service to the state.
Justice Minakiri assured of the willingness of the Panel members to do a thorough job that will proffer solutions to the challenges faced.
Members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry include
1. Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri, as chairman
2. Barr. Felicia Nwoke
3. Prof. Blessing Didia
4. Sir Samuel Egbe
5. Venerable Alex Usifor
6. Barr. Uzor Ikenga, Counsel
7. Mrs. Inyingi Brown as Secretary.
