Kehinde Fajobi
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has failed to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Rivers State Government to investigate arson, killings, and property destruction in some local government areas.
The seven-member panel, led by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was inaugurated by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in early October and given one month to complete its investigation.
Despite being summoned via courier and a newspaper advertorial, Wike, who served as Rivers governor during the incidents under review, did not appear before the commission on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Justice Minakiri said, “Today’s sitting was actually for the former Governor of Rivers State to appear before this commission to straighten some points that we needed to know.
“That is just the only reason we are sitting today. Otherwise, our sitting would have ended yesterday.”
She expressed disappointment over Wike’s absence and noted that other key invitees, including Rivers APC Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony Okocha and former local government chairmen of Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada West, and Eleme, also failed to appear or send legal representation.
“You can see from the way the hall is looking there is actually no strange face here,” she remarked.
“So, in the absence of all that, we made publications inviting people we want to hear from alongside His Excellency (Nyesom Wike). However, I have noticed that there’s nobody here.”
Justice Minakiri confirmed that the panel would proceed to finalise its report despite the absences.
She added, “We do hope that at the end of the day, whatever comes up after this sitting will indeed benefit the entirety of Rivers State and its people.”
The panel concluded its sittings on Tuesday, with Justice Minakiri thanking participants who contributed to the inquiry.
She noted that further actions would depend on directives from Governor Fubara as permitted by law.