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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to act decisively on the findings of the State Commission of Inquiry into the destruction of local government secretariats. He emphasized that the implementation of the report will proceed regardless of the individuals implicated.
This pledge was made by Governor Fubara as he received the commission’s report from its Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, a current judge of the State High Court. The presentation occurred in the Executive Chambers of Government House, located in Port Harcourt.
The governor decried the prevalence of “unreasonable political violence,” urging stakeholders to embrace the true spirit of politics as a contest of ideas. He stressed that political engagements should not breed lifelong adversaries or alliances but foster a culture of mutual respect.
The governor commended the commission for their tenacity, highlighting their ability to stay focused and deliver on their mandate, even as they contended with legal battles and other disruptive tactics meant to derail their mission.
Governor Fubara questioned why anyone would oppose a commission dedicated to uncovering the truth and expressed disbelief that individuals who invested in building council complexes could later destroy their own legacies.
Citing past incidents, he linked those responsible for the recent attacks on council buildings to previous acts of violence, including the bombing of courts before the 2015 elections.
Reiterating his stance on accountability, the governor affirmed that no one, including himself, is above the law.
The Chairman of the seven-member commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri detailed the methodology used to compile the report.
She noted that visits to affected local government areas—Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor were instrumental in verifying claims from submitted memoranda.
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According to Justice Minakiri, the commission’s proceedings revealed hidden facts about the state and were concluded on November 28, within the stipulated 30 days assigned by the Governor.
The report, presented in four volumes, includes memoranda, exhibits, records of proceedings, and findings.
Justice Minakiri urged Governor Fubara to implement the recommendations to ensure lasting peace in the state.
She said some individuals indicted in the memoranda failed to appear before the commission for their defence.
She concluded by expressing hope that the report’s implementation would deter future violence and restore stability across Rivers State.
