Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has taken decisive action in response to recent violence and destruction that erupted following local government elections. He established a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the arson, killings, and property destruction at various Local Government Council Headquarters across the state. The commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri and including members such as Mrs. Inyingi Brown and other notable figures, has one month to complete its investigation. Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of understanding both the immediate and underlying causes of the violence, asserting that accountability is crucial to restoring peace and preventing further acts of destruction in the state.
In his inauguration speech at the Executive Chambers in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed concern over the increasing lawlessness in Rivers State, likening the current situation to events that preceded the 2015 general elections. He conveyed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards political violence, especially perpetrated by youth and political thugs. The governor noted that the aftermath of recent elections has demonstrated that threats of violence were more than mere rhetoric. He stressed the critical nature of the commission’s work and called upon its members to approach their duties with seriousness and integrity, as history would hold them accountable for their findings and recommendations.
Outlining the commission’s terms of reference, Fubara directed it to investigate not only the causes of the violence but also its political motivations and impacts on communities and infrastructure. Specifically, the commission is to ascertain financial losses suffered, evaluate the effectiveness of security responses, and recommend measures for victim compensation and future violence prevention. Fubara underscored the urgency and significance of this inquiry in countering the threats posed by ongoing political turmoil in the state, promising to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
However, the situation in Rivers State is further complicated by political tensions. Former Governor Nyesom Wike has publicly accused Fubara of being behind the violence following the recent local government polls. This accusation arises from a deepening divide between the two politicians, who were once allies. Wike criticized Fubara for failing to respect a court judgment related to the elections, claiming that this disregard for the rule of law incited chaos. Wike asserted that the governor’s actions and rhetoric have fostered an environment ripe for violence and unrest, suggesting that Fubara’s decisions reflect on his capability to govern well and maintain order in the state.
In the broader context of political rivalry, internal conflicts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been cited as contributing factors to the violence in Rivers State. Diran Odeyemi, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, highlighted the fractures within the party, as factions led by Wike and Fubara clash over leadership and political influence. Odeyemi stressed the necessity for both political leaders to seek reconciliation to prevent further escalation of conflicts at both state and national levels within the party. He proposed that peace can only be achieved if they prioritize party unity and the welfare of the people over personal ambitions.
As Rivers State grapples with the fallout from the violence, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, has pledged to restore normalcy and ensure safety within the troubled local government areas. In a media briefing, he acknowledged the complex security challenges facing the state, fueled by a mix of political interests and criminal activities. Mohammed emphasized the need for trust between law enforcement and the community, vowing to adopt a proactive approach to enhance security. The situation remains precarious, and the forthcoming findings from the commission of inquiry may play a crucial role in shaping the future political landscape and restoring peace in Rivers State.
