Sequel to the inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara into the Arson, Killings and wanton destruction of property at some Local Government Council Headquarters, which occurred on or about Monday 7th October 2024 with the following terms of reference:
- Determine the underlying causes of violence and identify the individuals or groups responsible for the attacks on some Local Government Councils Headquarters and the harm caused to citizens;
- Evaluate the extent of damage to property, infrastructure, and human life, and estimate the financial losses incurred;
- Examine whether the violence was politically motivated and if so, identify the key players and their role in instigating the violence;
- Assess the effectiveness of the security agencies’ response to the violence and identify areas for improvement;
- Investigate the actions of individuals or groups involved in the violence in the face of relevant laws, including the Violence Against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015;
- Advise on adequate compensation and support for victims and their families, as well as measure to prevent future occurrences;
- Make recommendations on long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, including recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms;
- Recommend appropriate sanctions for individual and groups found culpable;
- Make other relevant recommendations in light of its findings which the Commission may consider appropriate;
- Submit its Report to the Governor of Rivers Sate within Thirty (30) Days from the date of inauguration.
The Commission invited in a statement, all affected interested persons, Civil society, Organizations and the General Public are requested to submit two (2) hard copies of memoranda (soft copy on CD or Flash Drive are optional) typed, double spaced and addressed to the Commission’s Secretariat at Room 002, Wing A, Ground Floor, Point Block, Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt, and/or forward same via email to rsjponarsonsandkilings @gmail.com on or before Friday 18th October, 2024.
The Statement was signed by Justice I. R. Minakiri, the Chairman of the Commission, and gave deadline until Friday 18th October.
