Prominent Rivers Indigenes have expressed displeasure over the roles played by the Nigerian Army in the violence and deaths that greeted the 2019 General Elections in the State.
The stakeholders condemned the role played by the Nigerian Army in these events and welcome the announcement by the Army Command that they had set up a panel to investigate the conduct of their personnel who were deployed on election duties.
The stakeholders, who made the call in a press release jointly signed under the title “Rivers Lives Also Matter” are Mr Atedo Peterside, Mr George Etomi, Mr Tein George, Mr Emmanuel Georgewill, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, Chief O.C.J. Okocha SAN, and Dr Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe
In a statement titled “Rivers Lives Also Matter”, the Rivers Prominent Indigenes called for the establishment of an independent Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence and deaths.
The statement read in parts: “We the undersigned are concerned citizens and stakeholders of Rivers State.
“We have watched with disbelief the recent violent incidents which occurred before, during and after the elections that were held in Rivers State on February 23 and March 9, 2019. These incidents occurred supposedly as a result of the elections. “These violent incidents have led to the needless loss of so many lives, especially youths in various communities.
“We do not believe that elections which are designed to enable the people choose their leaders should lead to their death instead. Therefore, every single death must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice.
“We are particularly concerned about the role played by the Nigerian Army in these events and welcome the announcement by the Army Command that they have set up a panel to investigate the conduct of their personnel who were deployed on election duties.
“In the light of numerous disturbing video footages which have gone viral across the globe, it is important and imperative that the investigation is thorough, professional and unbiased”
.
“Therefore, every single death must be investigated and the culprits brought to justice,” they said.
