Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to implement the findings of the State Commission of Inquiry into the destruction of local government secretariats, regardless of who is involved.
Governor Fubara made this commitment during the presentation of the commission’s report by its Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, a serving Judge of the State High Court, at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor emphasized the need to end what he called “unreasonable violence in politics,” asserting that politics should be a contest of ideas, not synonymous with violence, and should not involve permanent enemies or allies.
He praised the commission for their perseverance in completing the task despite various attempts to derail their work, including legal challenges and other forms of obstruction.
Governor Fubara questioned why anyone would oppose a commission dedicated to uncovering the truth and expressed disbelief that those who had invested in building council complexes would later destroy their own legacies.
He referenced past events and connected those responsible for the recent attacks on council buildings to previous acts of violence, including the bombing of courts before the 2015 elections.
Reaffirming his commitment to accountability, the governor stated that no one, including himself, is above the law.
The Chairman of the seven-member commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, outlined the methodology used to compile the report.
She explained that visits to affected local government areas—Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor—were crucial in verifying claims from the submitted memoranda.
According to Justice Minakiri, the commission’s proceedings uncovered hidden facts about the state and concluded on November 28, within the 30-day period 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 long-lasting peace in the state.
She added that some individuals indicted in the memoranda had failed to appear before the commission to defend themselves.
In closing, she expressed hope that the report’s implementation would serve as a deterrent to future violence and help restore stability across Rivers State.
