Judicial Commission Summons Allies Of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Over Post-Election Violence In Rivers

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, investigating the post-election violence that damaged several local government secretariats, has issued summons to key political figures associated with the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

This directive was announced by the Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Justice I. R. Minakiri, in a statement to the press in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Those summoned include the former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, and his counterparts from Eleme and Ahoada East, Obarilomate Ollor and Hope Ikiriko, respectively.

These officials served during Wike’s tenure as Governor and continued under the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Additionally, Hon. Aforji Igwe, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Eleme Constituency and a known supporter of Minister Wike, has also been called to appear before the panel.

The summons relate to incidents of violence at local government secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emuoha, where properties were attacked by suspected political thugs.

The statement which summoned a total of 109 persons as witnesses 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.”

The panel lists October 30 for witnesses in Ikwerre, November 1, 4 and 5 for those summoned from Eleme and 6th November for witnesses from Khan LGA.

For Emuoha LGA, the statement said the witnesses are to appear before it on 7th November, Ohio/Akpor and Ahead East on 8th November, while spillover will be accommodated on November 11, 2024.

The statement added that the under-listed persons 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.”