The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is urging full accountability in the investigation into the arson attacks on Local Government Area (LGA) Secretariats in Rivers State.
This comes as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry nears the conclusion of its probe.
Naijawebinfo recalls that the Commission was set up by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate the killings, arson, and destruction of local government properties and submit a comprehensive report.
The Commission, comprising seven distinguished members, was given a one-month timeframe to complete its inquiry and submit recommendations.
In a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, pointed out that the attacks, which occurred shortly after local government elections, posed a significant threat to the democratic process.
HURIWA criticized the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for security lapses that allowed the attacks to happen, particularly the unexplained withdrawal of police security from the affected LGAs just before and on the day the newly elected council officials took office.
The group described this action as a gross dereliction of duty, which created a security gap that emboldened those responsible for the violence.
The group condemned the IGP’s decision to withdraw security, calling it an “unconstitutional and shameful act” that would leave a stain on his legacy.
HURIWA emphasized the need for a fair and impartial report from the Commission and expressed confidence that Justice Minakiri’s leadership would meet public expectations by providing a detailed account of the attacks.
“HURIWA expects the panel’s findings to reveal the motivations behind the violence,” the group said. “The people of Rivers State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to know the truth.”
