Despite being summoned through courier and newspaper adverts, Wike did not honor the invitation to appear before the panel on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has failed to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established by the Rivers State Government to investigate killings, arson, and property destruction in several local government areas of the state.
The seven-member commission, chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, was inaugurated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in early October and given a one-month mandate to conclude its assignment.
Despite being summoned through courier and newspaper adverts, Wike did not honor the invitation to appear before the panel on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. Justice Minakiri expressed disappointment at his absence, noting that the day had been set aside solely for his appearance to clarify certain matters.
“Today’s sitting was specifically for the former Governor of Rivers State to address some points we needed clarity on,” Minakiri stated. “We had waited, hoping he would be here. But as he has not appeared, today marks the conclusion of our sittings unless otherwise directed by His Excellency.”
Other key figures, including the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, and former local government chairmen from Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada West, and Eleme, also failed to appear or send legal representatives for the November 18 session.
Justice Minakiri noted the absence of any representation, remarking, “You can see from the way the hall is looking—there is no one here. In the absence of those invited, this brings us to the end of our sitting.”
Despite the no-shows, the panel will proceed with compiling and submitting its final report. Justice Minakiri thanked those who participated in the proceedings, expressing hope that the commission’s findings would benefit Rivers State.
“Our job was made easier by those who appeared before us. We hope the outcome of this process will serve the people of Rivers State,” she concluded.
The judicial panel was set up to investigate violent incidents and property destruction in local government areas, but the refusal of several key invitees to engage with the process raises questions about the accountability of those implicated.
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