Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to implement the recommendations of the State Commission of Inquiry on the destruction of local government secretariats, regardless of who is implicated.
Governor Fubara made this commitment during the presentation of the commission’s report by its Chair, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, a serving Judge of the State High Court, at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor emphasised the need to eliminate what he described as “unnecessary violence in politics,” asserting that politics should focus on the exchange of ideas rather than being associated with conflict. He added that politics should be devoid of permanent enmity or alliances.
He commended the commission for their dedication in completing the task despite efforts to hinder their work, including legal challenges and other obstacles.
Opposition to Truth-Seeking
Governor Fubara questioned why anyone would resist an inquiry designed to uncover the truth, expressing disbelief that individuals who contributed to building council complexes would later destroy their own legacies.
Referring to past incidents, the governor linked those responsible for the recent attacks on council buildings to earlier acts of violence, such as the bombing of courts ahead of the 2015 elections.
Reaffirming his commitment to accountability, Governor Fubara declared that no one, including himself, is above the law.
Commission’s Report
Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, Chair of the seven-member commission, outlined the methodology used to compile the report.
She highlighted that visits to the affected local government areas — Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor — were critical in verifying claims made in submitted memoranda.
Justice Minakiri explained that the commission’s proceedings uncovered previously unknown facts about the state and were completed on 28th November, within the 30-day timeframe allocated by the governor.
The report, presented in four volumes, contains memoranda, exhibits, records of proceedings, and findings.
Call for Implementation
Justice Minakiri urged Governor Fubara to act on the recommendations to foster lasting peace in Rivers State. She noted that some individuals implicated in the memoranda had refused to appear before the commission to defend themselves.
She concluded by expressing hope that implementing the report would discourage future violence and help restore stability across the state.