The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Rivers State Government for the efforts of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the series of arson attacks on Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariats.

This comes as the Commission nears the conclusion of its investigation.

The group noted that the attacks, which occurred shortly after the successful local government elections, posed a significant threat to the democratic process.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, HURIWA called for full accountability to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Recall that the Judicial Commission, chaired by Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was inaugurated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara with a specific mandate to investigate the killings, arson, and destruction of local government properties and to deliver a comprehensive report.

The Commission, composed of seven distinguished members, was given a one-month timeframe to complete its inquiry and submit recommendations.

Since its formation, the Commission has actively engaged with affected LGAs, conducting on-site assessments in the presence of the press.

These assessments included visits to impacted LGAs such as Eleme, Ikwerre, Emohua, Obio/Akpor, and Khana, revealing substantial damage from looting, arson, and explosions.

During these inspections, Justice Minakiri emphasized the commission’s dedication to transparency and thoroughness, urging full cooperation from local councils and communities.

Justice Minakiri, in a statement, noted the severe impact on Eleme LGA, where losses were so extensive that the council headquarters became almost non-operational.

Similarly, Ikwerre and Emohua councils experienced severe structural and property damage, complicating the return to regular operations.

HURIWA criticized the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for the security lapses that facilitated these attacks, condemning the unexplained withdrawal of police security from the affected LGAs just before and on the day the newly elected council officials assumed office.

HURIWA described this action as a gross dereliction of duty, creating a security gap that emboldened those responsible for the violence.

Calling the security withdrawal an “ignominious and unconstitutional act,” the group warned that this dereliction of democratic responsibilities would be recorded as a stain on the current IGP’s legacy.

HURIWA emphasized the anticipation of Nigerians for a fair and impartial report from the Commission.

The association expressed confidence that the judicial commission, under Justice Minakiri’s leadership, “would meet public expectations by providing a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the attacks.”

HURIWA expects that the panel’s “findings would reveal the motivations behind the violence.”

“The people of Rivers State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to know the truth,” HURIWA stated.

It “urged the Commission to uncover all individuals or groups behind the attacks,” stressing that “justice should not only address the destruction of properties but also the loss of lives and the disruption caused by the violence.

“Governor Fubara’s resolve to address these critical issues, coupled with the expected impartiality of the Judicial Commission, signals that Rivers State is moving toward a more accountable and secure future,” HURIWA added.