Rivers Government Establishes Committee To Investigate Post-Election Violence

The Rivers State Government has formed a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and violence that occurred in the state on Monday, following attacks on local government council secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua.

These attacks came after the withdrawal of police officers from the 23 local government secretariats, ordered by Commissioner of Police Kayode Egbetokun. In response to the violence, Governor Siminalayi Fubara vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the destruction.

Governor Fubara pledged that the incidents would not be ignored and assured that his administration, in collaboration with security agencies, would identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

According to a statement from the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the commission was established in accordance with Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999.

The statement read, “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.”

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 members of the Commission will be officially sworn in today at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.