Fubara Vows Justice for Attackers of Rivers LG Secretariats

Governor Fubara assures accountability as he promises that individuals indicted for the attacks on Rivers Local Government secretariats will face justice and not go unpunished.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has committed to enforcing the findings of the State Commission of Inquiry regarding the destruction of local government secretariats, regardless of the individuals implicated.

This statement was made during the presentation of the Commission’s report by its chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, a current judge of the State High Court, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Fubara underscored the necessity of putting an end to what he termed as unwarranted violence in the political landscape of Rivers. He asserted that politics should not be equated with violence but rather viewed as a contest of ideas, devoid of permanent adversaries or allies.

The governor commended the Commission for its determination in fulfilling its mandate, despite facing various attempts to hinder its progress, including legal challenges and other forms of obstruction.

He expressed astonishment at the notion that anyone would oppose a Commission focused on revealing the truth and found it hard to believe that those who had invested in constructing council facilities would later choose to destroy their own legacies.

Referencing previous events, Fubara connected the individuals responsible for the recent assaults on council buildings to earlier acts of violence, such as the bombing of courts prior to the 2015 elections.

Reiterating his commitment to accountability, the governor stated that no one, himself included, is above the law.

Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, the chair of the seven-member Commission, elaborated on the methods employed to compile the report.

She highlighted that visits to the affected local government areas—Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor—were crucial in validating the claims made in the submitted memoranda.

According to Justice Minakiri, the Commission’s proceedings uncovered significant truths about the state and were completed on November 28, within the 30-day timeframe set by the governor.

The report, which was presented in four volumes, encompasses memoranda, exhibits, records of proceedings, and findings.

Justice Minakiri urged Governor Fubara to act on the recommendations to foster enduring peace in the state.

Some individuals named in the memoranda did not present themselves before the Commission to defend their cases, she stated.

In conclusion, she expressed optimism that the implementation of the report would prevent future violence and help restore stability throughout Rivers State.