The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday announced that the National Assembly would soon establish a high-level reconciliation committee to address the deepening political crisis in Rivers State.
The fued between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political godfather and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had escalated to violent attacks on oil installations leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state and the suspension of the governor and the state house of assembly loyal to Wike.
Speaking during the resumption of plenary following the Easter and Sallah recess, Abbas said the planned committee—being set up in collaboration with the Senate—would comprise respected national figures that would facilitate dialogue, promote peace, and support the restoration of democratic order in Rivers and other conflict-prone 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,” he told lawmakers.
The announcement comes weeks after the House endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and inaugurated a 21-member ad hoc committee to provide oversight for the interim administration in the state. The committee, chaired by House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere, has already commenced consultations with key stakeholders.
Abbas reaffirmed the House’s commitment to its constitutional responsibility and to national stability, noting that the reconciliation initiative was in response to the complex challenges facing the state’s political leadership.
In a related development, the Senate on Tuesday constituted an 18-member committee to oversee the activities of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), who was appointed by President Tinubu as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of emergency.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the committee during plenary, said the move was aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring accountability in the governance of the state during the interim period. He noted that the composition of the committee may be subject to review following further consultations.
President Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing political instability and a breakdown of law and order. The proclamation suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Ibas was appointed to take over administration of the state with immediate effect.
The decision, though aimed at restoring order, has sparked criticism—particularly after Ibas appointed sole administrators for the state’s local government councils, a move seen by many as undemocratic and contrary to constitutional principles.
The Senate’s committee is expected to monitor and ensure that the actions of the sole administrator do not contravene constitutional limits or undermine democratic institutions.
Akpabio charged the committee to begin its oversight immediately, emphasising the urgency of their task in maintaining 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.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele will serve as chairman of the committee. 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).
Also on the committee 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 secretary.
