The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, ignored the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry summons to appear in connection with the post-election violence that resulted in arson attacks on several local government secretariats.
The seven-member panel, inaugurated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on October 28 and chaired by Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri, invited Wike and 105 others including former LG chairmen loyal to him, including Dr Samuel Nwanosike of Ikwerre, Obarilomate Ollor of Eleme, and Hope Ikiriko of Ahoada East.
Also summoned were Hon. Aforji Igwe, the representative for Eleme Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Chief Tony Okocha, Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
Wike was invited through public summons and adverts to provide clarification on certain matters during the panel’s final sitting on November 19, 2024, but failed to attend or send legal representation.
Justice Minakiri expressed disappointment over Wike’s absence, stating that the day had been reserved exclusively for his appearance.