Sam Philip
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has on Tuesday inaugurated a 7-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the cases of arson, killing and destruction of public property at some Local Council Headquarters in the state.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, it was disclosed that the commission was inaugurated at Executive Chambers of the Government House.
Inquiry commission headed by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, was given a month investigate the immediate and remote cause of the violence and blasts in the state .
Mrs. Inyingi Brown would serve as the Secretary of the commission, while Barrister Uzor Ikenga would serve as the Counsel.
Other members of the commission include Barrister Felicia Nwoke; Prof. Blessing Didia; Sir Samuel Egbe; and Venerable Alex Usifor.
Reeling out the terms of reference of the assignment to the commission, Governor Fubara said that they must “Determine the underlying causes of the violence and identify the individuals or groups reasonable for the attacks on some Local Government Council Headquarters and the harm caused to citizens.
“Evaluate the extent of damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives and estimate the financial losses incurred.
“Examine whether the violence was politically motivated, and if so, identify the key players and their roles in instigating the violence.
“Assess the effectiveness of the security agencies’ response to the violence and identify areas for improvement.
“Investigate the actions of individuals and groups involved in the violence in the face of the relevant laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, etc.
“Advise on adequate compensation and support for victims and their families, as well as measures to prevent future occurrences.
“Make recommendations on long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, including recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Recommend appropriate sanctions for individuals and groups found culpable.
“Make other relevant recommendations in light of its findings which the commission may consider appropriate,” and also mandated the commission to submit its report within “one month.”