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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.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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