Rivers Govt sets up committee to probe post-election violence

The Rivers State Government has set up a judicial inquiry into the arson, killings, and other forms of violence that occurred in the state on Monday.

The move was after Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua local government council secretariats were set ablaze following the withdrawal of the police officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Following the attacks, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for setting ablaze three local government secretariats.

He pledged that the incident, unlike previous cases, will not be ignored, as his administration will collaborate with security agencies to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.

A statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, on Tuesday, said the setting up of the judicial committee was pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999.

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According to the statement: “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, 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 Barrister Felicia Nwoke, Professor Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, Venerable Alex Usifor, Barrister Uzor Ikenga, and Mrs Inyingi Brown who serve as secretary while and Hon Justice I.R. Minakiri, the chairman.

Members of the commission have already been sworn in at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.