PANDEF chairman to Abbas: Oversight panel on Rivers emergency rule must be neutral

Godknows Igali, chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has asked the house of representatives ad hoc committee on the emergency rule in Rivers to be neutral.

On Tuesday, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the south-south state.

BACKGROUND

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all members of the state’s house of assembly for a period of six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

Several stakeholders, including PANDEF, have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state affairs.

There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.

‘THE PANEL SHOULD BE NEUTRAL’

In a letter dated April 16 and addressed to Abbas, Igali commended the establishment of the committee but harped on the need for it to remain neutral in executing its mandate.

“The decision to offer impartial and dispassionate oversight in Rivers State has, as you may have observed, been resoundingly applauded by patriotic Nigerians across the country,” the letter reads.

“It is especially heartening that the Chairmanship of the Committee was entrusted to Professor Julius Ihonvbere—a globally respected scholar, accomplished public servant, and principled politician whose integrity and character are widely acknowledged.

“We extend this commendation to the other 20 members of the Committee, many of whom also embody these exemplary qualities.

“We trust that they will collectively deliver the highest standards of national service in carrying out this crucial assignment.

“In light of the above, we hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Adhoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate, reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office.

“A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.

“The Administrator’s pattern of governance has included the appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Councils, heads of government agencies, and more recently, ministries due process and democratic norms.”

He said the committee should also facilitate political resolution in the state to restore Fubara as governor.

“Finally, allow us to respectfully suggest that the Adhoc Committee be encouraged, as part of its oversight responsibilities, to actively facilitate a political resolution in Rivers State,” he said.

“This task should be pursued with urgency, diligence, and an unwavering sense of neutrality. As the nerve centre of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and a region of immense geopolitical significance, Rivers State remains vital to the nation’s economic stability and the continued maturation of our democratic process.”

The PANDEF chairman added that the restoration of democracy in Rivers state, especially the “reinstatement of Fubara, is a mission of national importance and should be accomplished without delay”.