Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has inaugurated a nine-man Commission of Enquiry on politically motivated killings in the state.
The commission is headed by Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and Sir Samuel Egbe as its secretary.
Other members are Prof Nlerum Okogbule, Prof Owunari A. Georgewill, Dr. Richard Ofuru, Mrs. Asivosuo M. Oriye, Dr. Joy Ejiofor, Ayo Obe and Rev. Father Michael Akiri.
At the inauguration Thursday at the Government House, Amaechi said the probe panel would complete its assignment within 30 days.
The governor explained that the panel would investigate why victims of violence were killed, who killed them, and under what circumstances and urged the commission to make recommendations that would assist the government to forestall a future recurrence.
“When I visited Obirikom, in the Ogba-Egbeme-Ndoni Local Government Area, in the household of the late Chief Christopher Adube, nine persons were killed by assassins.
“Those killed were his three children, his younger brother, two security guards and two others. Two of the late Chief Adube’s children are still receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
“There was a day I was arguing with the police commissioner, now posted to Enugu. I said I was told 11 persons had been killed. but he said ‘No, only seven persons.’
“Again, in the same Omoku, whether it is seven or 11 persons, these are human lives. At Okrika, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) went there on campaign, where the governorship candidate of APC was seated, he would have been hit by a bullet. But God saved him; he had left that place. It was the first day APC went on campaigns in Okirika, and the police were present”
The governor assured the Commission members that adequate security arrangement will be provided for them throughout the period of their assignments.
Prof. Odinkalu, who spoke on behalf of the commission, assured that its members would ensure that all those involved in the spate of violence are unearthed.
“We will seek information from every single stakeholders, all those that contested in the election, all political parties, elders, youth wings and even the state government.
“God willing, we would be able to finish our assignment within the stated time frame and ensure that we are very objective in our assignment.
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