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The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up 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 include elder statesmen from outside Rivers, such as former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, and House Speakers.
The proposed committee, he said, should conduct an unbiased investigation into the root causes of the crisis and gather critical facts to enable a sustainable resolution.
“We will engage with the Presidency and the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibot-Ete Ibas, to present key issues and recommendations for peace,” Akinlosotu stated.
He noted that the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly which the Supreme Court ruled had effectively left the state without a functioning government was a dangerous escalation that necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency.
While acknowledging concerns about the emergency rule, Akinlosotu emphasized that preventing full-blown violence was a priority.
“As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. While the decision may seem extreme, it is wiser to act proactively than to wait for irreparable damage,” he said.
The NCSCN urged the early termination of the emergency rule within three months, emphasizing that its success should be measured by the level of peace, stability, and political harmony restored in Rivers.
