National Assembly Moves to Mediate Rivers Crisis with High-Level Reconciliation Panel

The National Assembly is set to establish a high-powered reconciliation committee to tackle the escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen announced on Tuesday.

The crisis stems from the bitter feud between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political mentor, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, metamorphosing into violent attacks on oil facilities, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency and suspend Fubara along with the state assembly members loyal to Wike.

Addressing lawmakers after the Easter and Sallah recess, Abbas revealed that the House would collaborate with the Senate to form a committee of eminent figures tasked with fostering dialogue and restoring democratic governance in Rivers and other troubled regions.

“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 stated.

The move follows the House’s earlier endorsement of Tinubu’s emergency declaration and the formation of a 21-member ad hoc committee, led by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, to oversee the interim administration.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also stepped in, setting up an 18-member panel to monitor the activities of Rivers’ sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for transparency during the transitional period.

“The Senate remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that governance, even in a caretaker capacity, adheres to the rule of law,” Akpabio said.

The committee, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, includes prominent lawmakers such as Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Ireti Kingibe (FCT), and others.

Tinubu’s emergency measures, though intended to stabilize the state, have drawn backlash—particularly over Ibas’s appointment of sole administrators for local councils, a decision critics argue undermines democracy. The Senate’s oversight team is expected to ensure compliance with constitutional limits.

As tensions persist, the National Assembly’s reconciliation efforts aim to de-escalate the crisis and restore normalcy in the oil-rich state.