Rivers State: Wike and Fubara supporters at odds over commission of inquiry, sparking tension
The camp of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the supporters of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, clashed on Wednesday over allegations as the commission investigating the burning of local government secretariats concluded its hearings.
The commission was established to investigate the October 7 arson attacks on three local government secretariats, which were linked to violence stemming from the contentious October 5 local government elections in Rivers State.
Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, who heads the panel, summoned several individuals, including Wike and Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state. However, both men failed to attend. Other invitees, including former local government chairmen from Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada West, and Eleme, also ignored the summons.
Okocha dismissed the commission as a politically motivated exercise, claiming he wasn’t formally invited. He described the inquiry as a “trap” and said he had no interest in it. He also criticized the method of invitation through newspaper ads, claiming it was not legitimate.
Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, expressed disappointment at Wike and his associates for not appearing, calling their absence unfortunate. He emphasized that the panel had made efforts to notify Wike, including sending invitations through courier services and newspaper advertisements, but received no response.
Justice Minakiri confirmed that the panel would proceed with its report despite the absentees, stressing that the findings would aim to benefit the people of Rivers State. She noted that none of the invitees or their representatives showed up as the commission concluded its sessions.
Okocha, responding to questions about his absence, claimed he was unaware of the inquiry due to being recently engaged in APC congresses and a trip to China. He dismissed the panel as illegitimate and questioned its priorities, suggesting that other incidents, like the bombing of the State House of Assembly and attacks on the APC secretariat, should also be investigated.
Despite these criticisms, Joseph Johnson reiterated that the commission’s work would continue. He assured that the absence of key figures would not derail the inquiry’s process or the eventual submission of its findings.
