The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the killings, destruction, and burning of some local government headquarters in Rivers State has swung into action, beginning with visitation of five affected Local Government Areas for assessment......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
The seven-member commission, initiated by the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is mandated to investigate the killings, arson, looting, and destruction of local government councils.
The Commission after its inauguration was given one month to conclude and deliver its findings to the state government.
The commission in the company of newsmen on Tuesday visited Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Khana local government Councils where several properties were destroyed and looted.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, said they were at the affected LGAs to assess the level of damage done, and also engage with security agencies and leadership of the councils with a view to getting comprehensive information regarding the incidents.
Justice Minakiri, while noting that several memoranda had been submitted to the panel, pledged the commission’s commitment to approaching its task with thoroughness, transparency,
fairness and diligence.
Minakiri confirmed meeting with one of the councilors whose father was killed in Khana LGA, adding that the Commission would soon announce a date for the commencement of sittings.
She said, “We have visited the local government areas to see things for ourselves and not just to rely on the memoranda that were sent to us. We have received many of them.
“In Khana LGA, we took note of the lootings and damages in the council.
“In Eleme, I can say that is the worst of it all. The way we saw it, the local government cannot function. Virtually all the offices were affected by the blast from suspected explosives, the council is indeed in a terrible state.
“Ikwerre LGA is also in a terrible state following the blast that also affected the main auditorium. Council properties were also looted. It would take a long time for local government businesses to take place in the main auditorium of the LGA.
“In Emohua LGA, they also have problems, we saw damages from explosions and looting of council properties including vital parts of the power plant.
“We have encouraged the Council Chairmen to see if they could gather their workers and councilors, to see how they can still perform local government businesses so that the business of local government will not be grounded.”
Speaking further, Justice Minakiri stated that the on-the-spot visit will further enrich the findings of the commission and possible recommendations to the state government.
She stressed the commitment of the Commission to conducting a thorough investigation and providing well-informed recommendations to the government.
In their different speeches, the Chairmen of Eleme, Emohua, Khana, Ikwerre, and Obio/Akpor LGAs, Hon. Brain Gokpa, Barr David Omereji, Hon. Martins Nwigbo, Barr Israel Abosi and Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo, welcomed the commission, commending it for the visit.
They also thanked the state Governor for his timely intervention in ensuring that justice is served, promising to avail the commission of all the necessary assistance needed…READ FULL CONTENT FROM THE SOURCE ↔️
