The National Assembly has taken fresh moves to help end the political crisis in Rivers State and restore democratic rule.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, made this known on Tuesday while welcoming lawmakers back from recess.
He said both the House and the Senate would work together to form a powerful reconciliation committee made up of respected national leaders. The committee’s job will be to encourage dialogue, bring peace, and help rebuild democracy in Rivers State and other troubled areas.
“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 said.
He reminded the lawmakers that the House had shown “unwavering fidelity to the Constitution” by responding quickly when the crisis began.
According to him, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, the House followed Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to approve the decision.
“Subsequently, we inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee, led by the Leader of the House, to oversee the caretaker administration and ensure democratic accountability in the State. The committee has since commenced its engagement with stakeholders on the ground,” he added.
Speaker Abbas also mentioned other achievements of the House, including the passage of tax reform bills. He said these laws are meant to improve revenue collection, make tax rules easier, and attract more investment.
He called these reforms a sign of the House’s strong commitment to good economic management.
It will be recalled that in March, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly and introduced emergency rule in the state. The decision came after tensions grew between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.