Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has renewed his commitment to eradicating violence from the state’s political landscape.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara received the report from the State Commission of Inquiry on the destruction of local government secretariats.
The commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was tasked with investigating incidents of politically motivated violence across the state.
The governor assured the public that the recommendations would be implemented without bias, regardless of who is implicated.
“Politics should not be associated with violence but should be a platform for the exchange of ideas. There are no permanent enemies or friends in politics,” he said, describing the recurring violence as “unreasonable.”
Governor Fubara also lauded the commission for completing its work despite challenges, including legal obstacles and other forms of interference.
Justice Minakiri, while presenting the report, highlighted the methodology used, including visits to affected local government areas such as Khana, Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, and Obio/Akpor. These visits, she said, were crucial in verifying evidence and claims from submitted memoranda.
The four-volume report contains detailed findings, exhibits, records of proceedings, and recommendations.
Justice Minakiri urged the governor to implement the recommendations to foster lasting peace in the state. She also disclosed that some individuals implicated in the inquiry refused to appear before the commission to defend themselves.
The commission completed its work within the 30-day deadline and presented the report on November 28.