The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking in Abuja, NCSCN President Blessing Akinlosotu suggested that the committee should consist of respected elder statesmen from outside the state, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents and Speakers of the House of Representatives. He emphasized that the panel should conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the crisis and provide a sustainable resolution.
Akinlosotu also expressed concerns about the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as an attack on democracy. He warned that if the crisis had escalated into full blown violence, the consequences would have been severe.
He acknowledged the intervention of President Tinubu and the National Assembly, stating that while declaring a state of emergency might seem drastic, it was necessary to prevent further damage. However, he urged that the emergency rule be lifted within three months, allowing peace and political stability to return to the state.
According to Akinlosotu, the success of the emergency measure will be judged by the level of peace and progress achieved under the sole administrator’s leadership.