Nigeria’s House of Representatives has disclosed plans to work with its counterparts in the Senate to begin the process of reconciliation in the Rivers State political crisis which led to the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Oil rich State of South South region of Nigeria.
Addressing lawmakers at the resumption of plenary this Tuesday, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas revealed that a high-level Committee comprising respected national figures, will be set up to help facilitate dialogue, promote peace, and support the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State, and other conflict-affected regions.
The Speaker Abbas also acknowledged the killings in Borno, Plateau, Benue, and Kwara States, describing the incidents as unjustified and condemned the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the North-East, particularly a deadly bombing near Gamboru, communal clashes in Plateau State, which has led to the loss of innocent lives.
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While condoling with the various State governments and affected families, Abbas called for renewed investment in security intelligence, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination and asked security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
On the recent environmental forecasts, which indicate that over 30 States may face severe floodings during the upcoming rainy season, the Speaker asked all relevant Committees of the House to work with the Executive branch to review the country’s emergency preparedness, propose mitigation strategies, and provide oversight over legislative frameworks on disaster risk management and climate resilience.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
