Man Billed To Testify At Rivers Inquiry Kidnapped

More drama has erupted in Rivers state following the advent of a commission of inquiry set up by Governor Rotimi Amaechi to investigate the pre-electoral violence witnessed in the state.

According to a report published by Premium Times, some unknown men have kidnapped the brother of Israel Okirie, a witness billed to appear before the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry.

It is understood that Okirie had petitioned the Commission on April 24 concerning killings in Omoku, ONELGA (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA) in the state.

The kidnappers have reportedly warned Okirie not to appear before the inquiry under any circumstances, after his brother was kidnapped by unknown men in the early hours of today.

It has been rumoured that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have had a hand in the sudden disappearance of Mr Okirie following reports of a plot to frustrate the probe of killings and destruction during the Rivers state elections.

Yesterday, human rights and civil society activists criticized the steps taken by the PDP on Monday, May 11, to stop the proceedings.

The activists described the PDP’s actions as ‘disappointing’ and a sign that it has something to cover up.

The Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Amaechi dismissed the PDP’s attempt to delay proceedings and resumed duties yesterday, as thirteen witnesses were called on to testify what occurred during the campaign.

According to witnesses who spoke about the killings, the alleged PDP thugs who wreaked havoc in the state came for blood.

On April 17, Governor Amaechi, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), inaugurated a nine-man commission of inquiry to look into the politically-motivated killings in the state.

Members of the commission include Professor Chidi Odinkalu, the chairman, Sir Samuel Egbe, the secretary, and Professor Nlerum Okogbule. Others are Professor Owunari A. Georgewill, Dr. Richard Ofuru, Mrs. Asivosuo M. Oriye, Dr. Joy Ejiofor, Mrs. Ayo M. O. Obe, and Rev. Father Michael Akiri as members.

In a press statement issued last month, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed that some states recorded a significant number of violent incidents with the most affected being Rivers state.

The commission reported that in Rivers, there were 16 incidents of electoral violence with many feared dead.