October 28, 2024
By Idris Buba
After a fact finding mission to affected local council secretariats to assertain the extent of damage and also make inquiries, the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the post-election violence that led to the attack of some local government secretariats in the state has summoned 105 witnesses in the arson, killings, destruction and vandalization of the secretariats.
According to a writ of summon issued by Hon . Justice I. R. Minakiri, Chairman of the Commission on Monday, the summons to witness is in line with Section 8 of the Commission of Inquiry Law.
Among those summoned by the Justice Minakiri-led panel are the immediate past Chairman of Ikwerre local government area, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, as well as his counterparts in Eleme, Obarilomate Ollor and Ahoada East, Hope Ikiriko.
The three former LG chairmen served under Nyesom Wike as Governor and completed their tenure under incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara
The incumbent LG chairmen of Ahoada west, Ikwerre, Emohua, Eleme, Obio/akpor and Khanna were also summoned.
Also summoned is the member representing Eleme Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aforji Igwe.
Recall that the LG government secretariats touched by suspected political thugs were Ikwerre, Eleme and Emuoha while Khanna was massively looted
READ MORE; Rivers Judicial Panel Of Inquiry visits affected councils secretariat.
The panel lists October 30 for witnesses in Ikwerre, November 1, 4 and 5 for those summoned from Eleme and 6th November for witnesses from Khan LGA.
For Emuoha LGA, the statement said the witnesses are to appear before it on 7th November, Ohio/Akpor and Ahead East on 8th November, while spillover will be accommodated on November 11, 2024.
Part of the statement reads, your are summoned to appear
before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, appointed by His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSR, to inquire into the Arson, Killings and Wanton Destruction of Properties at some Local Government Council Headquarters, which occurred on or about Monday, 7th October, 2024, sitting at Rivers State Judicial Commission: Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri’s Court, Block C, Court 14, Rivers State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, at 9 O’clock, to give evidence and or tender document(s) in respect of the inquiry. Therefore, do not fail, as it may be at your peril. You are required to bring with you any evidence to establish your case.
Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri
(Chairman of the Commission)
