Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has inaugurated a seven-member panel to investigate the recent killings and destruction of local government secretariats in the state. The panel was established on Tuesday, October 8, during a ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In his address, Governor Fubara made it clear that his administration would not allow politically motivated thugs and misguided youths to turn Rivers State into a violent hotspot. He tasked the panel with identifying the root causes of the attacks and bringing those responsible to justice, regardless of their status or influence.
"I have taken this step to uncover the immediate and remote causes of this violence," Fubara stated. "Most importantly, we will ensure that those involved, regardless of their positions, face the law."
Fubara emphasized that the panel’s findings would be crucial in preventing further violence and damage to public property. He also urged the members to remain resolute despite potential challenges or threats they may face during the investigation.
The panel is chaired by Judge Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri and includes six other members: Inyingi Brown (secretary), Uzor Ikenga, Felicia Nwoke, Blessing Didia, Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor. They are expected to submit their findings within a month.
The investigation comes after recent violence in Emohua, Eleme, and Ikwerre local government areas, where arsonists targeted LGA secretariats, leaving five people dead. The attacks are believed to be linked to efforts to prevent elected officials from resuming their duties following the controversial local elections held by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5.
The elections, which filled 23 chairmanship and 319 councillorship positions, were marred by legal disputes and opposition from major political parties. Despite court orders and protests from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Fubara proceeded with the vote.
The panel's findings are expected to provide clarity on both the violence and the controversies surrounding the elections.
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