The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the Rivers State Governor for initiating a judicial inquiry, urging prompt measures to address the actions of individuals they label as ‘political terrorists.’

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil rights advocacy group, has commended Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his decisive action in setting up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. This commission is tasked with investigating the violence, arson, and destruction of public property that occurred after the local government elections in the state.

HURIWA characterized the investigation as one of the Governor’s most praiseworthy initiatives, emphasizing its importance for justice and accountability amid such significant unrest.

In a media statement from its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the commission as an essential measure for identifying and prosecuting those responsible, whom it described as “political terrorists.”

The Governor had established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, consisting of seven members, to investigate the violence that resulted in the burning of several local government council headquarters in Rivers State.

“The statement emphasized a timely intervention designed to uncover the underlying reasons for the unrest and hold those responsible accountable.”

HURIWA emphasized that those responsible for the violence are not just vandals, but political terrorists intent on destabilizing the state’s democratic institutions.

The group stated that individuals who set fire to local government offices in an attempt to disrupt elections and subvert democracy can be defined as political terrorists.

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HURIWA praised the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri and featuring notable individuals such as Mrs. Inyingi Brown as secretary and Uzor Ikenga serving as counsel, emphasizing its crucial role in delivering justice.

The human rights organization urged security forces to guarantee that anyone, regardless of their political status, appears before the commission if summoned. HURIWA asserted: “Should any individual, irrespective of their power or influence, be implicated in this scheme to destabilize Rivers State, it is imperative for security agencies to promptly arrest and present them before the commission. Following lawful proceedings and a guilty verdict, they should then face prosecution.”

HURIWA also voiced disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the situation, stating that his comments did not reflect statesmanship.

In a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President called upon political leaders in Rivers State to resolve their disagreements through legal channels. He also instructed the police to safeguard public facilities. However, HURIWA criticized him for not clearly naming those responsible for the violence and instead trying to shift blame onto Governor Fubara.

The human rights group emphasized that it is beyond the President’s authority to instruct the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on performing his constitutional responsibilities, particularly after a lapse in security management has taken place.

“The responsibility to maintain peace and order at local government offices falls under the police, not the President. The Inspector General of Police should carry out this constitutional duty without needing any prompt,” HURIWA asserted.

Additionally, HURIWA condemned IGP Kayode Egbetokun for his earlier refusal to offer security during the local government elections in Rivers, thereby positioning him as a partisan participant in the crisis.

The group contended that the IGP’s failure to remain neutral undermined his position as the country’s leading police official, and therefore President Tinubu should have relieved him of his duties. HURIWA noted, “By permitting IGP Egbetokun to stay in office following his inability to secure the elections and by tolerating his bias during this crisis, the President is essentially supporting impunity and lawlessness.”

Following the actions of the IGP, HURIWA has given a seven-working-day deadline to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence and arson in Rivers State.

The group stressed that those people, many of whom were caught on video, must be apprehended and held responsible. “The terrorists shown setting local councils ablaze have been identified in the videos. If the Inspector General of Police does not arrest them within seven working days, HURIWA will start an international campaign calling for European countries and the United States to impose visa bans against him. We will also advocate for any visas he holds to be revoked,” warned HURIWA.

The group emphasized its dedication to achieving justice within Nigeria but will not hesitate to seek international solutions if the issue is not promptly resolved. “We are ready to initiate a worldwide advocacy campaign against IGP Egbetokun unless he fulfills his constitutional obligation and apprehends these criminals,” HURIWA stated.

In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated its endorsement of Governor Fubara’s initiatives, emphasizing that the judicial commission of inquiry is a crucial measure for restoring peace and averting Rivers State from descending into chaos. The group urged all stakeholders—including security agencies, political figures, and the judiciary—to respond responsibly to this issue. “This represents a pivotal moment for upholding the rule of law in Rivers State. Those accountable for creating disorder must be brought to justice, and we applaud the Governor’s decisive and timely action in setting up this inquiry,” stated HURIWA.

The group further emphasized its commitment to holding the IGP and other law enforcement agencies accountable, asserting that no one is above the law. They also encouraged Nigerians to stay vigilant in protecting democracy in Rivers State.