A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has initiated its own investigation into the October 7 attacks on local government secretariats across the state.
This move challenges Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s earlier establishment of a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the same incidents. The lawmakers’ action is widely perceived as a show of loyalty to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is currently at odds with Governor Fubara.
The crisis erupted in October when violent clashes broke out during the takeover of secretariats by newly inaugurated local government chairpersons, resulting in extensive damage to several council buildings.
Speaker Amaewhule has tasked the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions with fast-tracking its investigation into the petitions related to the disturbances. He cited Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Assembly to conduct inquiries, and called for the committee’s report to be submitted without delay.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule emphasized the need for a thorough legislative probe to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has received the report from his Judicial Commission of Inquiry and pledged to implement the recommendations through a white paper to deter future attacks on public infrastructure.
The competing investigations reflect the growing divide between the pro-Wike faction of lawmakers and Governor Fubara, as both sides continue to assert their influence in managing the state’s affairs.
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