The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his efforts in addressing recent arson attacks on local council secretariats.
These attacks, occurring shortly after local council elections, posed a significant threat to the democratic process. In response to the incidents, Governor Fubara inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, to investigate the killings, arson, and destruction of council properties.
The seven-member commission has been tasked with delivering a comprehensive report within one month. HURIWA noted that the Commission has conducted on-site assessments in affected areas, including Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Khana. These visits revealed extensive damage caused by looting, arson, and explosions.
Justice Minakiri emphasised the Commission’s commitment to transparency and urged full cooperation from local councils and communities. Highlighting the severe impact, HURIWA reported that the Eleme council headquarters is nearly non-operational due to the extent of the damage, while Ikwerre and Emohua councils face similar challenges.
As the Commission nears the end of its investigation, HURIWA criticised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for security lapses that facilitated the attacks. It particularly condemned the unexplained withdrawal of police personnel from the affected councils before and during the inauguration of newly elected officials, describing it as a “gross dereliction of duty.”
“This ignominious and unconstitutional act created a security gap that emboldened those responsible for the violence,” HURIWA stated. The association warned that this failure would tarnish the IGP’s legacy and called for accountability from security agencies tasked with protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed the need for a fair and impartial report from the Commission. He expressed confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the panel, urging it to uncover those behind the attacks and address the loss of lives and disruption caused.The group commended Governor Fubara for his bold decision to establish the inquiry and for allowing it to operate without interference.
HURIWA urged the governor to act promptly on the Commission’s recommendations, stating that swift action would demonstrate the government’s dedication to justice and the rule of law.
The group called on the Rivers State government to hold those responsible for security failures accountable and reevaluate the role of federal law enforcement in safeguarding elections. It emphasised that the conclusion of the inquiry marks a pivotal moment for governance and the protection of democracy in Nigeria.
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