HURIWA Commends Rivers as Judicial Commission Nears Conclusion on LGA Arson Attacks

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 Area (LGA) Secretariats nears its conclusion.

The attacks which occurred shortly after the successful local government elections, posed a significant threat to the democratic process.

HURIWA has called for full accountability to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

HURIWA 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 highlighted.

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.