The Government of Rivers State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent incidents of arson, killings, and wanton destruction of property at various Local Government Council Headquarters across the state.
The violent occurrences, which took place on or around Monday, October 7, 2024, have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of citizens and the security of government infrastructures.
The Commission, chaired by Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri, has been tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities aimed at uncovering the root causes of the violence and holding those responsible accountable. Its terms of reference include:
- Determining the causes of the violence and identifying individuals or groups responsible for the attacks.
- Evaluating the extent of the damage to property, infrastructure, and human life, as well as calculating the financial losses incurred.
- Investigating whether the violence was politically motivated and, if so, identifying the key players.
- Assessing the response of security agencies and recommending improvements.
- Reviewing the actions of those involved in relation to relevant laws, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015.
- Advising on compensation and support for victims and their families.
- Recommending long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, including policy reforms and conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Suggesting sanctions for those found culpable.
- Making other recommendations deemed appropriate based on its findings.
The Commission has been given a 30-day timeframe to submit its report to the Governor, outlining its findings and recommendations.
The people of Rivers State, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders are invited to submit memoranda to the Commission. Submissions can be made in two hard copies, with optional soft copies, and should be addressed to the Commission’s Secretariat at Room 002, Wing A, Ground Floor, Point Block, Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt. Memoranda can also be forwarded via email to rsjponarsonsandkilings@gmail.com on or before Friday, October 18, 2024.
The government hopes that the findings and recommendations from the Commission will provide a path to justice for the victims and offer solutions to prevent the recurrence of such violent incidents in the future.