CurrentReport Blog Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to implement the recommendations of the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry into the destruction of local government secretariats, regardless of who is involved.
The governor made the declaration on Monday during the presentation of the Commission’s report by its chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He described the report as a critical step toward addressing violence in Rivers State politics, emphasizing that accountability is essential to ending politically motivated destruction.
Fubara condemned the acts of violence that have plagued Rivers politics, including attacks on local government buildings and the bombing of courts during the 2015 elections. He stated that politics should be a contest of ideas rather than a tool for violence.
“No one, including myself, is above the law. We must end this unreasonable violence in our politics,” the governor said.
He applauded the Commission for its dedication in completing the report despite legal challenges and other forms of obstruction, questioning why anyone would oppose an investigation into the truth.
The seven-member Commission, chaired by Justice Minakiri, investigated attacks in Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor local government areas. The report, compiled within the assigned 30-day timeframe, includes four volumes of memoranda, exhibits, records of proceedings, and findings.
Justice Minakiri highlighted the Commission’s efforts to uncover hidden facts and verify claims through site visits. She noted that some individuals implicated in the attacks failed to appear before the Commission to defend themselves.
“We hope the implementation of our recommendations will deter future violence and restore stability in Rivers State,” Justice Minakiri said.
Fubara assured residents that the recommendations would be implemented to ensure justice and prevent recurrence. He expressed hope that the report’s findings would foster lasting peace and stability across the state.
The governor’s stance on accountability and his commitment to implementing the Commission’s findings signal a firm approach to addressing political violence in Rivers State.
