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Commissions Of Inquiry Promise Fairness To All …Hold Inaugural Sitting In PH
The Chairman of the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry investigating the violence, killing and other related matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state, Justice Monima Danagogo says the commission was not constituted to witch-hunt anybody but was a fact-finding mission.
Danagogo stated this during the inaugural sitting of the commission at the State Judiciary Complex in Port Harcourt, yesterday, which heralded the official take-off of the commission.
He said that the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike set up the commission in accordance with the state Inquiry Laws Section 2 Sub-Section 1 of Rivers State, 1999, to among other things, “investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violence, killings and other related acts/matters which occurred during the February 23 and March 9, 2019 general election in the state.
It was also set up to identify the sponsors and perpetrators of the various acts of violence and killings in the state.
The commission was also mandated to identify the victims of the violence, including those killed during the said elections, and identify the motives, if any, behind the said violence, killings and other related acts/matters in the said elections as a way to make appropriate recommendations to the government in other to forestall the repeat of such, among others.
According to him, the commission was handed down with 10 terms of reference by the state governor and was expected to submit its report after 30 days from the first day of the panel’s sitting.
“In the cause of our work, we have called for submission of memorandum from all interested parties through both print and electronic media”, he stated.
Danagogo restated that the commission was not a regular court and would not on a mission to witch hunt any person or group of persons, adding that during the sitting, the panel would obtain its evidence through oral evidence presentations from witnesses as well as those who submitted their memo to the commission.
He assured that the commission would give all the parties equal time to present their facts, and called on all to cooperate with the commission to enable it deliver the mandate given to it.
Also speaking, Corlins C. Ikeh, representing NBA, Port Harcourt branch, Mr. Grale B. Amadi (Esq) and the Officer In-Charge, Legal, Rivers State Police Command, Monday Binebo, in their separate speeches, promised to work with the panel to enable them succeed in their assignment.
Other members of the judicial commission including Frank Fubara, Esq, Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi, Monsignor Pius Kii and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, who also doubles as the Secretary of the commission, Mr Paulinus Nsirim as well as Chidi Boniface Eke, Esq, counsel to the commission were all present during the inaugural sitting of the commission.
In a related devrlopment, the Rivers State Judicial Commission Inquiry investigating the invasion and attack on the state judiciary complex, last year, has promised to give fair hearing to all interested parties invited by the commission.
The five-man committee Chaired by Justice Simeon C. Amadi, was inaugurated by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to among other things, unravel the circumstances that led to the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the complex on May 11, 2018.
The commission has 14 terms of reference and is expected to submit its reports to the state government 30 days from its first sitting.
Speaking at the inaugural sitting, yesterday, the Chairman of the five-man investigative panel, Justice Simeon C. Amadi said the commission would not be biased but would accord every party or parties equal opportunities to make their presentations, adding that the commission was not a regular court but on a fact finding mission.
Amadi, while reading out the terms of reference given to the panel, said they include, “to ascertain and identify the immediate and remote causes of and/or the motives behind the violent invasion and attack on the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex at the stated dates.
“Identify the persons who participated in, masterminded, counselled or procured others to participate in the violent attack, disruption of activities of the state judiciary and destruction of public properties which occurred at the state Judiciary Complex, Port Harcourt on 11th day of May, 2018.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene