The National Assembly will form a committee to help restore democratic order in Rivers State, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced Tuesday as the House of Representatives reassembled after its Easter and Sallah holiday.
A comprehensive legislative roadmap was also presented by Abbas, who called on lawmakers to recommit to national service and revolutionary reforms that would restore democracy, unity, and economic stability.
Setting the tone with a demand for targeted action on important national issues, Abbas emphasized the crucial time ahead for the 10th Assembly in his welcome address to members.
“In the upcoming weeks, we will collaborate with the Senate to establish a high-level Committee on Reconciliation, composed of esteemed national leaders, to foster communication, advance peace, and aid in the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State and other areas impacted by conflict.
“This is a time for purpose-driven legislation, for reaffirming our relationship with the people, and for strengthening democracy,” he said.
The speaker’s main point was a thorough legislative program that addressed issues including economic resilience, constitutional revision, electoral reform, and climate action.
The importance of passing important legislation, especially those pertaining to security, healthcare, education, and unemployment, was emphasized by Abbas.
In order to increase compliance and encourage investment, he highlighted recent achievements, such as the enactment of tax reform legislation.
He noted that these show how committed the House is to promoting responsible economic governance.
He said, “We are forming a future where policy reforms support national development and inclusivity,” citing Nigeria’s recent IMF discussions as another proof that strategic legislative supervision must be combined with fiscal restraint.
He focused much of his speech on bringing stability to the nation’s difficult areas, particularly Rivers State.
In order to oversee the caretaker government and avoid a political vacuum, Abbas revealed that a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee, chaired by the House Leader, is actively involving stakeholders.
Speaker Abbas’s efforts to modernize parliamentary engagement included the introduction of the New Media Exchange initiative.
To reach younger Nigerians and transform legislative transparency, he said, the House is embracing digital platforms.
“Online leaders and digital influencers have emerged as important opinion shapers—we need to meet the people where they are,” he said.
Despite his optimism for reforms, Abbas acknowledged violent attacks over the recess, which struck a gloomy note. He claimed that conflicts in Benue and Plateau, as well as the tragic bombing in Gamboru, highlight the necessity of strong security legislation.
Promoting
He offered condolences to the families. “The House stands united in condemning these attacks and calls on security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace,” he added.
As more than 30 states are expected to experience severe flooding, the speaker called for a proactive response.
He gave the executive instructions for pertinent committees to work with him on frameworks for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Abbas also gave a preview of a number of public events that would commemorate the 10th Assembly’s second anniversary. The purpose of the activities is to close the gap between the public and legislators, from a House Open Week in July to a Public Policy Dialogue in Abuja.
“They are platforms to reaffirm our legislative vision and accountability to the people, not just celebrations,” he emphasized.
Abbas urged his colleagues to be united and diligent as the House moves into a crucial stage of its four-year tenure in his closing remarks.
“The next several weeks are crucial. He challenged us to “commit to the values that define us as the People’s House.”
On Tuesday, the Senate established an 18-member committee to supervise the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State.
During Tuesday’s plenary reconvening, Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed this.
The committee was established, according to Akpabio, in an effort to improve accountability and transparency in the state’s governance.
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Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele was appointed by Akpabio to serve as the committee’s chair.
He emphasized the importance of the committee’s mandate, saying that it was essential to Rivers State’s efficient legislative supervision.
Akpabio also made a suggestion that after more discussions, the committee’s makeup might be modified.
Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti KinÂgibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed are among the other members of the committee. The Senate Clerk is also a member.
The Senate President emphasized the importance of the committee’s task and urged it to start its oversight responsibilities right away.
He also reiterated the Senate’s dedication to maintaining Rivers State’s democratic procedures.
