Rivers Panel Summons Wike Over LG Arson

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate the destruction of several local government secretariats, has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers State, has been asked to appear before the commission on November 19, 2024.

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The summons was issued in an advertorial titled “Summons under Section 7 & 8 of the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap 30,” dated November 12, 2024, and made public on Thursday.

The notice was signed by the commission’s Chairman, Justice I. R. Minakiri.

It stated that the invitation to Wike followed submissions made by individuals from Emuoha Local Government Area, who provided a memorandum and accompanying video clips sourced from the internet.

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The commission confirmed that a copy of the summons, along with the video clips, had been sent to the Federal Capital Territory Minister via courier. Justice Minakiri also advised Wike to review the video content and take appropriate action based on its findings.

The document read, “Pursuant to the call and receipt of memoranda by the judicial commission of inquiry into the arson, killings and wanton destruction of property at some local government council headquarters in Rivers State, a very pertinent message conveyed to the public, by direct statement and in songs by some persons in a video clip posted on the internet, downloaded and submitted by the Emohua Local Government Council concerning Your Excellency, Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, places a demand on the commission to respectfully call Your Excellency for reaction before the commission.

“A copy of this summons has been sent to Your Excellency along with the said video clip by courier service, for Your Excellency’s ease of listening and necessary reaction.

“By the invitation, Your Excellency’s reaction is expected before the commission on 19th November 2024. Time: 11 am. Venue: Block C, Court 15, Rivers State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.

“Please take note that the Commission will conclude sitting on the 21st November, 2024.”

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Also summoned to appear before the panel was Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee in Rivers State and an ally of the FCT Minister.

Others summoned include Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, as well as former local government chairmen Obarilomate Ollor (Eleme), Hope Ikiriko (Ahoada West), and George Ariolu (Obio/Akpor).

All are scheduled to appear before the commission on November 18, the day before Governor Wike’s scheduled appearance.

In addition to Wike and Okocha, the commission had previously summoned 109 individuals from local government areas affected by post-election violence to testify. This was in connection with the disturbances, with the summons issued on October 28, 2024.