Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the formation of the 18-member panel shortly after plenary resumed on Tuesday, assigning Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to chair the body. The panel is tasked with ensuring accountability during the current state of affairs in Rivers, where Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has been designated to manage governance under emergency conditions.

According to Akpabio, the Senate’s initiative aims to reinforce institutional oversight and preserve democratic norms during this exceptional period. He also indicated that the committee’s composition might be adjusted pending further dialogue among stakeholders.

“The Senate remains committed to safeguarding democratic processes. We expect the committee to begin its responsibilities immediately,” he said.

The committee features a cross-section of senators including Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed from Jigawa, along with the Senate Clerk.

In a related development, Bayelsa politician Udengs Eradiri has appealed for calm and reconciliation in Rivers amid the ongoing political transition. Addressing the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Eradiri emphasized the importance of prioritizing peace over conflict.

Eradiri, a former Labour Party gubernatorial aspirant and ex-commissioner in Bayelsa, praised Fubara for initiating dialogue with political heavyweight Chief Nyesom Wike. While acknowledging past criticisms for suggesting such a rapprochement, Eradiri maintained that reconciliation remains the most viable path forward.

He cautioned Fubara to be wary of figures capitalizing on the unrest for self-interest, accusing some supporters of deepening divisions for personal or political gain. “You’ve been granted a second chance. Use it wisely,” Eradiri stated, referring to the federal intervention that averted a potential constitutional crisis.

He urged Fubara to stay committed to President Bola Tinubu’s peace plan and avoid voices seeking to derail it. “Now is the time to act, not just speak. Make sure your allies reflect your intentions,” he warned.

Eradiri also condemned recent acts perceived as undermining the reconciliation process, such as the walkout by women during an empowerment event associated with the First Lady’s initiative. The protest was reportedly triggered by the presence of Dr. Theresa Ibas, wife of the interim administrator, as the First Lady’s representative.

“Such actions are unhelpful and send the wrong signal,” Eradiri remarked, warning that they risk undermining hard-earned progress.

He concluded with an appeal to all political actors—Wike, lawmakers, and other stakeholders—to temper their positions for the sake of restoring stability in Rivers State.

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Ibas assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

He spoke on Friday during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt.

Ibas described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the collective effort to restore stability and progress in the state.

The sole administrator decried the economic hardship in the Niger Delta, saying that despite the region’s wealth of natural resources, its people continue to suffer.

“This is unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transformation and accountability.

The administrator expressed concern over the delay in salary payments across local government areas, acknowledging the struggles of affected workers.

“I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure that salaries are paid without delay.

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