The Judicial Commission of Inquiry, established by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate the recent alleged killings and burning of local government offices in Rivers State, has officially begun its proceedings.
The commission issued summons to 109 individuals, including current and former council chairmen from six local government areas. The opening session featured testimony from five witnesses from Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The first prosecution witness, Smiles Azunda, presented video evidence documenting the destruction. He estimated the damage to the historic, but recently remodelled building at approximately N3.2 billion.
Despite the extensive damage, an engineering consultant, Patrick Madume, who was hired by the council, testified that the structure could be restored without requiring a complete teardown.
One other witness, Ezihuo Nwonodi, identified several political figures—including serving Assembly Member Prince Nyeche, his predecessor Anslem Oguguo, Okachi Ordu, Chief Victor Wagor from Isiokpo, Charles Wobodo from Omanwa, and a non-indigene named Joel, as those who allegedly mobilized supporters to the scene.
Nwonodi, who said he lives near the council secretariat, testified that shortly after the crowd gathered, he heard a loud sound, resembling an explosion, followed by thick smoke indicating a fire.
For security reasons, one of the key witnesses from Omanwa was allowed to testify on camera, recounting similar events to those described by Nwonodi.
Others who testified, primarily discussing the extent of the damage rather than assigning blame, included Iheaanyi Williams, a first-class traditional ruler and Paramount Ruler of the Ubima community, and John Chukeumati, Chief Fire Officer of the Rivers State Fire Service.
Chukeumati’s agency had conducted an investigation on October 17, ten days after the incident.
The proceedings will continue on Thursday, where more witnesses and those accused are expected to make presentations having being summoned through various publications and notices.
At the commencement of sitting, the Commission Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, assured that the inquiry would be conducted with fairness and thoroughness.
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