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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The Leader, Mr. Sokari Goodboy, who presented the River State Real Estate Regulatory Authority Bill 2024, said it was aimed at ensuring transparency in the sector.

Goodboy stated that the bill would regulate the activities of real estate operators with a view to promoting transparency and professionalism.

“When fully passed into law, the will also provide opportunity for dispute resolutions through mediatory mechanisms.

“It will also make provisions to tackle challenges that impede sustainable growth in the sector,” he said.

In a related development, Goodboy also submitted a report of the audited accounts of the 23 local government councils in the state to the assembly.

The Speaker, Mr. Victor Oko-Jumbo, described the report as strategic towards promoting prudence and financial discipline in local government councils.

He said that the assembly would continue to ensure thorough oversight of local government councils to ensure accountability.

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In May, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt barred these lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the assembly following their defection from the PDP to the APC. The affected lawmakers are supported by the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who is currently serving as the FCT Minister. Mr. Wike is embroiled in a prolonged political conflict with Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the control of the state’s political structure.

Since the initial court ruling, three lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara have been managing the affairs of the Rivers State Assembly.

Reinstatement Order

Delivering the judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to issue the exparte order. According to Channels TV, the appeal court cited Section 272(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants the Federal High Court the authority to determine whether a House of Assembly member’s seat has become vacant. This section explicitly gives the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction in such matters, thereby excluding state high courts.

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The court declared the exparte order null and void, stating that it was issued without proper jurisdiction.

Impact on Legislative Activities

While acting as assembly members, the reinstated pro-Wike lawmakers passed several laws by overriding Governor Fubara’s veto. One significant bill they passed amended the Local Government Administration Law, removing the governor’s power to appoint caretaker committees for local government councils and extending the tenure of elected council officials by six months.

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This ruling is expected to have a considerable impact on the political landscape in Rivers State, particularly in the ongoing power struggle between Wike and Governor Fubara.

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