Rivers govt to probe post-LGA election violence

The Rivers State government has set up a panel of inquiry into the violence that trailed last weekend’s local government election in the state.

Suspected political thugs on Monday set ablaze the secretariats of Eleme and Ikwerre local government areas of the state.

This followed the inauguration of new council chairmen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Sunday.

Heavy gunfire was also reported in some parts of the state on Sunday as tension grips the state over the election.

Many had blamed the incident on the withdrawal of police operatives from the 23 local council’s secretariats by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

READ ALSO: Tonye Cole proposes solution to Rivers political crisis

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt,  said Governor Siminilaye Fubara set up the panel pursuant to Section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Law, Cap 30, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999.

He added that members of the panel would be sworn in later on Tuesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The statement read: “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, has approved the Setting-up of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the arson, killings, and wanton destruction of property at some Local Government Council Headquarters which occurred on or about Monday, October 7, 2024.

Members of the Commission are:

 (1)        Hon. Justice I.R. Minakiri                   –           Chairman

(2)        Barr. Felicia Nwoke                            –           Member

(3)        Prof. Blessing Didia                            –           Member

(4)        Sir Samuel Egbe                                –           Member

(5)        Venerable Alex Usifor                      –           Member

(6)        Barr. Uzor Ikenga                       –           Counsel to the Commission

(7)        Mrs. Inyingi Brown                       –           Secretary.”
 

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