Rivers LG Poll Crisis: Wike, Okocha, Boycott Probe Panel

Rivers LG Poll Crisis Probe Panel Drama as Wike, Okocha, and Others Boycott Rivers Investigation

iexclusivenews – Rivers LG Poll Crisis has taken a new turn as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha, and others have boycotted the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Sim Fubara the Rivers State Governor.

The commission was established to investigate the arson, killings, and destruction of property at local government secretariats following the recent local government elections in Rivers State.

This online news media reports that the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, inaugurated a seven-man panel in early October, headed by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri. The panel was given a one-month mandate to probe the widespread violence that led to the burning of local government secretariats. The commission aimed to uncover the root causes of the violence and hold those responsible accountable.

As part of its inquiries, the panel summoned Nyesom Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, through courier service and newspaper advertorials signed by its chairman. Wike was expected to appear before the commission on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to clarify some grey areas related to the violence.

However, at the close of the sitting, the panel noted that Wike and his allies did not appear.

Justice Minakiri’s Statement

Speaking at the end of the sitting on Tuesday, Justice Minakiri disclosed that the FCT Minister did not honour the invitation. She noted that the day had been reserved for Wike to provide necessary clarifications.

“Today’s sitting was actually for the Governor of Rivers State to appear before this commission to straighten some points that we needed to know,” she stated. “That is just the only reason we are sitting today, otherwise our sitting would have ended yesterday. But we had waited hoping that he would be here.”

Justice Minakiri expressed concern that Wike, alongside other invitees, including the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, neither appeared nor were represented by legal counsel.

“You can see from the way the hall is looking, there is actually no strange face here. There is nobody here. So in the absence of all that, we made publications inviting people we want to hear from alongside His Excellency (Nyesom Wike), but I have noticed that there’s nobody here. So that brings us to the end of the sitting,” she stated.

Submission of the Report and Implications of the Boycott

Despite the refusal of some invitees, including the FCT Minister, to appear, the commission will proceed to submit its report. Justice Minakiri confirmed that the commission would finalize its findings and present them to the Governor.

“So I want to thank everyone of you that has been coming, and we have those that just came in today and to tell you that you have made our job easy for us. Your presence encouraged us all through our sittings. We do hope that at the end of the day, whatever comes up after this sitting will indeed be to the benefit of Rivers State, the entirety of Rivers State, and the people of Rivers State,” she said.

The boycott by key figures such as Wike and Okocha raises questions about the effectiveness of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. Their absence may hinder the commission’s ability to gather comprehensive information and hold those responsible accountable. The refusal to participate in the inquiry could also be seen as an attempt to undermine the investigation and avoid scrutiny.

In conclusion, as the Rivers LG Poll Crisis continues to unfold as key figures boycott the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. The commission, despite the absence of crucial testimonies, will proceed to submit its report. The outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched, as it holds significant implications for the accountability and transparency of the local government elections in Rivers State. The situation underscores the need for cooperation and transparency in addressing the violence and ensuring justice for the affected communities.