Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stressed the need to implement the report of the State Commission of Inquiry on the destruction of local government secretariats, regardless of the status of the individuals involved in the violence.
Fubara made the 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 stressed the need to end what he described as “unreasonable violence in politics,” stating that politics should not be synonymous with violence but a contest of ideas without permanent enemies or friends.
He commended the commission for their resilience in completing the task despite attempts to derail their work, including legal challenges and other forms of obstruction.
The governor questioned why anyone would oppose a commission dedicated to uncovering the truth and expressed disbelief that individuals who invested in building council complexes could later destroy their own legacies.
Citing past incidents, he linked those responsible for the recent attacks on council buildings to previous acts of violence, including the bombing of courts before the 2015 elections.
Reiterating his stance on accountability, the governor affirmed that no one, including himself, is above the law.
The Chairman of the seven-member commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri detailed the methodology used to compile the report.
She noted that visits to affected local government areas—Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor were instrumental in verifying claims from submitted memoranda.
According to Justice Minakiri, the commission’s proceedings revealed hidden facts about the state and were concluded on November 28, within the stipulated 30 days 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 lasting peace in the state.
She said some individuals indicted in the memoranda failed to appear before the commission for their defence.
She concluded by expressing hope that the report’s implementation would deter future violence and restore stability across Rivers State.
