The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the efforts of the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the series of arson attacks on Local Government Areas (LGA) Secretariats nears its conclusion.
These attacks, shortly after the successful local government elections, posed a significant threat to the democratic process, with HURIWA calling for full accountability to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
The rights group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, recalled that the Judicial Commission, chaired by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was inaugurated by Governor Fubara with a specific mandate: to investigate the killings, arson, and destruction of local government properties and to deliver a comprehensive report.
The association highlighted that the Commission, composed of seven distinguished members, was given a one-month timeframe to complete its inquiry and submit recommendations.
“Since its formation, the Commission has actively engaged with affected local government areas, conducting on-site assessments in the presence of the press. These reported assessments included visits to impacted LGAs, such as Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Khana, revealing substantial damage from looting, arson, and explosions. During these inspections, Justice Minakiri emphasized the Commission’s dedication to transparency and thoroughness, urging full cooperation from local councils and communities.
“Justice Minakiri, in a statement to the press, noted the severe impact on Eleme LGA, where losses were so extensive that the council headquarters became almost non-operational. Similarly, Ikwerre and Emohua councils experienced severe structural and property damage, complicating the return to regular operations,” HURIWA said.
As the Commission approaches the end of its investigation, HURIWA condemned the role of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in the security lapses that facilitated these attacks.
The association criticized the unexplained withdrawal of police security from the affected LGAs just before and on the day the newly elected council officials assumed office. HURIWA described this action as a gross dereliction of duty, creating a security gap that emboldened those responsible for the violence.
Calling the security withdrawal an “ignominious and unconstitutional act,” HURIWA warned that this dereliction of democratic responsibilities would be recorded as a stain on the current IGP’s legacy. HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed the need for accountability from the security agencies entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
HURIWA emphasized the anticipation of Nigerians for a fair and impartial report from the Commission. The association expressed confidence that the Judicial Commission, under Justice Minakiri’s leadership, would meet public expectations by providing a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the attacks. HURIWA trusted in the professionalism and integrity of the panel members, expecting that their findings would reveal the motivations behind the violence.
“The people of Rivers State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to know the truth,” HURIWA stated, urging the Commission to uncover all individuals or groups behind the attacks. The association stressed that justice should not only address the destruction of properties but also the loss of lives and the disruption caused by the violence.
HURIWA commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his bold decision to establish the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, despite the sensitive nature of the investigation and the complex political landscape. The governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability has set a standard for other states facing similar challenges to democracy.
While stating that by allowing the Commission to conduct its work without interference, Governor Fubara has demonstrated a firm stance against impunity, HURIWA encouraged the governor to remain resolute as the Commission prepares to submit its final report, urging that the findings be acted upon promptly.
As the Commission’s work draws to a close, HURIWA called on the Rivers State Government to stay committed to implementing the recommendations. The association acknowledged that genuine reforms and accountability depend on swift and decisive action. This will be a crucial test of the government’s dedication to justice and the rule of law.
Additionally, HURIWA urged the Rivers State government to hold accountable those responsible for the security failures and to reevaluate the role of federal law enforcement in safeguarding local elections. Restoring public confidence in the local government system, HURIWA noted, requires rigorous adherence to justice and democratic principles.
According to the rights group, the conclusion of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry marks a pivotal moment, with significant implications for governance and the protection of democratic institutions, adding that it remains optimistic that the truth will emerge and justice will be served, and the local government system will be strengthened as a result.
“Governor Fubara’s resolve to address these critical issues, coupled with the expected impartiality of the Judicial Commission, signals that Rivers State is moving toward a more accountable and secure future,” HURIWA concluded, adding that the association, along with concerned citizens, eagerly awaits the Commission’s final report and the subsequent government response.
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