HURIWA Commends Governor Siminalayi for establishing judicial commission amid violence in Rivers State

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has praised Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his decisive establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence, arson, and destruction of public property that erupted following the local government elections.

HURIWA described this initiative as one of the Governor’s most commendable actions, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and accountability in the face of such serious unrest.

In a recent media statement, HURIWA lauded the commission as a critical step towards identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the violence, referring to them as “political terrorists.”

Governor Siminalayi inaugurated a seven-member commission to probe the unrest that led to the burning of several local government council headquarters in the state.

“This is a well-timed intervention aimed at uncovering the root causes of the unrest and ensuring those responsible are held accountable,” the statement read.

HURIWA underscored that the individuals behind the violence are not mere vandals but political actors intent on destabilizing the state’s democratic institutions.

“Those who burned local government secretariats to disrupt the election process and undermine democracy are political terrorists by definition,” the group asserted.

The commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri and featuring prominent members such as Mrs. Inyingi Brown as secretary and Uzor Ikenga as counsel, has been hailed as a vital instrument for delivering justice.

HURIWA called on security forces to ensure that any individual, regardless of political status, appears before the commission if summoned.

“If any person, no matter how powerful or influential, is implicated in this plot to destabilize Rivers State, the security agencies must act swiftly to arrest and present them before the commission,” HURIWA stated.

While commending the establishment of the commission, HURIWA expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s response to the situation, describing his remarks as lacking in statesmanship.

The President had urged political leaders in Rivers State to resolve their disputes in court, directing the police to protect public facilities.

HURIWA criticized this approach, arguing that it shifted focus away from identifying those responsible for the violence.

“It is not the President’s job to tell the IGP to ensure peace and order at the local government offices.

That is the constitutional responsibility of the police,” HURIWA emphasized.

ALSO READ : HURIWA- Urgent call for Federal Maritime Safety Commission amid rising boat accidents

Furthermore, the group criticized IGP Kayode Egbetokun for allegedly failing to provide security during the local government elections, which they claim has compromised his neutrality as the nation’s top police officer.

HURIWA urged President Tinubu to dismiss Egbetokun for condoning the crisis.

In light of the IGP’s actions, HURIWA issued a seven-working-day ultimatum for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence and arson in Rivers State.

The group stressed that many of these individuals were captured on video and must be held accountable. “If the IGP fails to arrest them within seven working days, HURIWA will initiate an international campaign urging European countries and the United States to impose visa bans on him,” the group warned.

HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to achieving justice within Nigeria, stating it would not hesitate to seek international redress if necessary.

“We are prepared to launch a global advocacy campaign against IGP Egbetokun unless he fulfills his constitutional duty and arrests these criminals,” they concluded.

In closing, HURIWA reiterated its support for Governor Fubara’s actions, calling the Judicial Commission of Inquiry an essential step toward restoring peace in Rivers State.

The group called on all stakeholders, including security forces, political leaders, and the judiciary, to act responsibly in addressing the issue.

“This is a defining moment for the rule of law in Rivers State.

Those responsible for this chaos must face justice, and we commend the GovernorSiminalayi for his bold and timely action in establishing this inquiry,” HURIWA stated.