Rivers judicial panel summons Wike’s allies, 105 others over LG arson

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry has summoned several allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with 105 other individuals, to appear in connection with the post-election violence that resulted in arson attacks on several local government secretariats.

In a statement released on Monday, Commission Chairman, Justice I. R. Minakiri, announced the summons, identifying former LG chairmen loyal to Wike, including Dr Samuel Nwanosike of Ikwerre, Obarilomate Ollor of Eleme, and Hope Ikiriko of Ahoada East.

These former chairmen, who served under Wike’s administration, completed their tenures under the current Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Also summoned is Hon. Aforji Igwe, the representative for Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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Recall that the violence, allegedly perpetrated by political thugs, targeted the secretariats of Ikwerre, Eleme and Emuoha LGAs.

The judicial panel set up by Governor Fubara, seeks to investigate the arson, killings and destruction of property that took place at these council headquarters.

The individuals summoned are scheduled to testify at the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry from October 30 to November 8, with hearings set for witnesses from Ikwerre, Eleme, Khana, Emuoha, Obio/Akpor and Ahoada East.

The statement directed all individuals to appear at Block C, Court 14, Rivers State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt at 9am, bringing any documents or evidence relevant to the inquiry. The commission warned that failure to comply could result in penalties.

Efforts to obtain comments from the summoned former council chairmen were unsuccessful, as they were unavailable for response at the time of reporting. But Wike earlier said he had instructed his lawyers to challenge the legality of the constitution of the panel.