Rita Odafe
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has initiated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry regarding recent incidents of arson, fatalities, and property damage at various Local Government Council offices in Rivers State.
It was reported that unknown assailants attacked multiple LGA secretariats on Monday, leading to significant destruction and harm to staff present at the scene.
This outbreak of violence occurred shortly after the newly elected council leaders were sworn in following the elections held on Saturday.
The announcement of the establishment of the Judicial Commission was made on Tuesday by Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government.
He confirmed that the members of the inquiry panel will be officially sworn in today at 4 pm.
The statement elaborated: “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
“In line with Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has endorsed the formation of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry addressing the arson, killings, and property damage at certain Local Government Council offices on or around October 7, 2024.
The appointed members of the Commission include:
(1) Hon. Justice I.R. Minakiri – Chairman
(2) Barr. Felicia Nwoke – Member
(3) Prof. Blessing Didia – Member
(4) Sir Samuel Egbe – Member
(5) Venerable Alex Usifor – Member
(6) Barr. Uzor Ikenga – Counsel to the Commission
(7) Mrs. Inyingi Brown – Secretary
“The panel members will be sworn in today, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, starting at 4 p.m.
“They are expected to assemble by 3:30 p.m.”
