Rivers panel summons Wike, 105 others over local council election violence

The Rivers State judicial panel of inquiry has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and 105 others over the violence that trailed the October 5 local government election in the state.

The Chairman of the panel, Justice I. R. Minakiri, announced this in a statement on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Governor Siminilaye Fubara constituted the panel on October 7 after suspected arsonists set fire to Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats in the state.

Also summoned were the lawmaker representing Eleme Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Aforji Igwe, former Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, and his counterparts in Eleme and Ahoada East LGAs, Obarilomate Ollor and Hope Ikiriko.

The four men are the minister’s loyalists.

The trio of Nwanosike, Ollor and Ikiriko were appointed local government chairmen during Wike’s time as governor of Rivers State.

READ ALSO: NNPCL confirms three dead, 5 missing in Rivers helicopter crash

All the invited persons are expected to appear before the panel between October 30 and November 11.

The statement read: “Pursuant to the call and receipt of Memoranda by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into arson, killings and wanton destruction of property at Local Government Council Headquarters in Rivers State, the following persons are hereby summoned to appear as scheduled below.

“You are to appear before the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, appointed by His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubarato inquire into the Arson, Killings and Wanton Destruction of Properties at some Local Government Council Headquarters, which occurred on or about Monday, 7th October 2024, sitting at Rivers State Judicial Commission: Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri’s Court, Block C, Court 14, Rivers State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt, at 9 O’clock.

“To give evidence and or tender document(s) in respect of the inquiry. Therefore, do not fail, as it may be at your peril.

“You are required to bring with you any evidence to establish your case.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now