The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has announced that the National Assembly will soon establish a high-powered reconciliation committee aimed at resolving the escalating political crisis in Rivers State.
The prolonged feud between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political ally, current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, recently led to violent attacks on oil installations.
This prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state and suspend both the governor and members of the State Assembly aligned with Wike.
During plenary on Tuesday, marking the resumption of legislative activities after the Easter and Sallah recess, Speaker Abbas disclosed that the planned committee, being formed in partnership with the Senate, would include respected national figures to drive peaceful dialogue and support the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers and other conflict-ridden states.
“In the coming weeks, we shall work with the Senate to constitute a high-level Committee on Reconciliation, comprising respected national figures, to facilitate dialogue, promote peace, and support the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State and other conflict-affected regions,” Abbas told lawmakers.
This development follows the House’s earlier endorsement of President Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers, alongside the inauguration of a 21-member ad hoc committee led by House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere to oversee the interim administration.
That committee has already begun engaging key stakeholders.
Reiterating the House’s commitment to national stability, Abbas said the reconciliation initiative was designed to address the complex political issues destabilizing the state.
Meanwhile, the Senate also took decisive action on Tuesday by constituting an 18-member committee to monitor the activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), who was appointed by President Tinubu as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the emergency declaration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while announcing the committee during plenary, emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability during the interim period.
He also hinted that the committee’s membership could be reviewed following further consultations.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency via a national broadcast, citing political instability and a breakdown of law and order in Rivers.
The proclamation resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State Assembly for six months.
Ibas was appointed to oversee the state’s administration with immediate effect.
While the move is aimed at stabilizing the region, it has attracted widespread criticism, especially following Ibas’s appointment of sole administrators for local government councils, a decision many view as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
The Senate’s oversight committee is tasked with ensuring that the actions of the sole administrator remain within constitutional bounds and do not undermine democratic institutions.
Akpabio urged the committee to begin its work immediately, stressing the urgency of preserving democratic accountability.
“The Senate remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that governance, even in a caretaker capacity, adheres to the rule of law,” he said.
The committee is chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. Other members include Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Osita Izunaso (Imo), Osita Ngwu (Enugu), Kaka Shehu (Borno), Aminu Abass (Adamawa), Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos), and Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo).
Additional members are Sani Musa (Niger), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi), Idiat Adebule (Lagos), Ede Dafinone (Delta), and Mohammed Nakudu (Jigawa). The Clerk of the Senate will serve as the committee’s secretary.
