The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised the Rivers State Government for the proactive steps taken by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating a series of arson attacks on Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariats.
This commendation comes as the Commission approaches the conclusion of its investigation.
HURIWA highlighted that these attacks, which occurred shortly after the successful local government elections, posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, HURIWA called for full accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to DAILY POST, the Judicial Commission, led by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was established by Governor Siminalayi Fubara with a mandate to investigate the killings, arson, and destruction of local government properties and deliver a comprehensive report.
The seven-member Commission was tasked with completing its inquiry and submitting recommendations within one month. Since its inception, it has actively engaged with affected LGAs, carrying out on-site assessments in the presence of the media.
These site visits included LGAs such as Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Khana, where the Commission documented extensive damage caused by looting, arson, and explosions.
Justice Minakiri reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness during the inspections, urging cooperation from local councils and communities. He noted the significant damage to Eleme LGA, where destruction left the council headquarters nearly non-functional. Similarly, Ikwerre and Emohua councils suffered severe structural damage, further complicating their operations.
HURIWA strongly criticized the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for security lapses that allowed these attacks to occur, particularly condemning the withdrawal of police officers from the affected LGAs just before and on the day newly elected council officials assumed office. The association described the action as an “ignominious and unconstitutional act,” accusing the IGP of neglecting democratic responsibilities and leaving a security vacuum that emboldened the perpetrators.
HURIWA stressed the importance of an impartial and detailed report from the Commission, expressing confidence in Justice Minakiri’s leadership to meet public expectations.
The group called on the Commission to expose the individuals or groups responsible for the violence, ensuring that justice addresses both the destruction of property and the loss of lives caused by the attacks.
HURIWA lauded Governor Fubara’s resolve to address these critical issues and emphasized that the Judicial Commission’s impartial findings would mark a step toward accountability and security in Rivers State.