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#EndSARS: Rivers Panel Receives 171 Petitions, Pledges Fairness
The Rivers State Commission of Inquiry on Police Brutality, yesterday, revealed that it has so far received a total of 171 petitions from individuals and groups in the state, perhaps, the highest in the country.
The commission was set up by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, in the wake of the #EndSARS protests to probe into alleged acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens committed by officers, men and operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
Addressing the inaugural session, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the commission, Hon. Justice Chukwuneye Uriri (rtd) said that the number was the highest to be received by a commission of inquiry in any state.
He stated that the commission was a fact-finding one with a mission to do justice at all times to all manner of persons, irrespective of religion, colour or tribe.
Uriri said: “The panel is a fact-finding one, separate and distinct from regular courts of law but with coordinate responsibility to humanity. It is enjoined by law to make its own rules for effective administration of justice.”
He added: “Our vision is to do justice at all times, to all manner of persons, irrespective of colour, age, religion, culture and tribe, downtrodden or not”.
He disclosed that due to the exigencies of time, the commission would be sitting daily, including Saturdays and Sundays in other to meet the 60 days lifespan of the commission from the first date of sitting.
Uriri, said that the commission would, therefore, take a break only for four days from December 24 to 27.
According to him, the commission’s terms of reference includes, among other things, to ascertain and identify the acts of violence, torture, brutality, murder and violation of fundamental rights of citizens by officers and men of Nigerian Police, especially operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“The commission will also ascertain and identify the officers involved in the act, the motive of the actions as well as the victims in the act by men and officers of Nigerian Police, especially, defunct SARS”.
“The commission will make recommendation to Rivers State Government”, he added.
Addressing journalists after the inaugural sitting, Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, Prince Nyekwere, assured the commission that legal practitioners in the state would assist it achieve the desired result.
He expressed confidence on the calibre of persons appointed into the commission, and assured the NBA’s total cooperation and support to the commission to enable members deliver on their mandate.
Nyekwere urged members of the commission to ensure that they dispensed justice to all and be fair during the process.
He reiterated the promise of the association to provide pro bono legal services to members of the society, who may not have lawyers to represent them during the proceedings.
Nyekwere said: “We are happy that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry was set up and all of us living in Nigeria know why the commissions of inquiry are being set up in states. It was because of the #EndSARS protest that was organised by Nigerian youths.
“We just hope that the commission of inquiry will give the seriousness that this assignment deserves. As members of the NBA, Port Harcourt Branch, we have promised to partner with them to ensure that their mandate is achieved”.
He opined that the #EndSARS protests in the state and across the country were not only for police brutality but also against bad governance, and regretted that what started as good struggle was later hijacked by enemies of good governance.
By: Amadi Akujobi
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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