Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has established a seven-member judiciary panel of inquiry to investigate the recent arson and killings that occurred in several local government areas of the state.
This move follows violent incidents on Monday when local government secretariats were attacked as newly elected officials attempted to access their offices.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday afternoon, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, announced that the inauguration of the panel would take place at 4:00 PM at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The statement identified Hon. Justice I.R. Minakirias as the chairman of the inquiry panel, which includes Barr. Felicia Nwoke, Professor Blessing Didia, Sir Samuel Egbe, and Venerable Alex Usifor as members. Mrs. Inyingi Brown will serve as secretary, while Barr. Uzor Ikenga has been appointed as counsel to the panel.
The statement detailed: “Pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999, 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.”
The commission’s members are scheduled to be sworn in today, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, at 4:00 PM, with a request for them to arrive by 3:30 PM.
