Rivers State Governor Fubara Sets Up Judicial Panel to Probe Predecessor’s Administration

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to establish a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the governance of the state prior to his administration. The panel’s purpose is to examine how the state’s affairs were conducted before Fubara took office.

The governor made this declaration while swearing in Mr. Dagogo Iboroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as the new Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Fubara emphasized the critical timing of Iboroma’s appointment, citing numerous legal matters requiring bravery and courage to address.

Fubara stated, “We will be setting up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the affairs of governance. Brace up, I am not going back on it.” He also expressed disappointment over unresolved political crises, which he considered a “family problem.” However, he acknowledged the presence of a well-constituted State House of Assembly and the appointment of a seasoned lawyer as Attorney-General, marking a new era in his administration.

In a veiled criticism of his predecessor, former Governor Wike, Fubara accused the former Attorney-General, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, of sabotaging the administration while serving as Chief Law Officer. He questioned Adangor’s actions, including appearing before a magistrate court, which went against the ethics of his job.

In response, Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, a strong ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, called the governor’s move “needless” and “self-destructive.” Deeyah, who represented Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, pointed out that Fubara was part of the same administration he aimed to probe, having served as Attorney-General and Permanent Secretary. He cautioned the governor, “The red biro will one day run dry… justice will be served.”