NCSCN Urges President Tinubu to Establish Truth and Reconciliation Committee for Rivers Crisis
BoldMedia — March 28, 2025
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NCSCN President, Mr. Blessing Akinlosotu, emphasized the need for an impartial panel composed of elder statesmen from outside Rivers, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, and Speakers of the House of Representatives.
Call for a Comprehensive Inquiry
Akinlosotu stated that the proposed committee should be tasked with conducting an unbiased and thorough investigation into the root causes of the crisis.
The findings, he explained, would be essential for achieving a sustainable and widely accepted resolution.
“We will present key issues to the committee once it is set up, including details that can be shared during personal engagements with the Presidency and the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Adm. Ibot-Ete Ibas.”
Crisis and the Supreme Court Ruling
Akinlosotu noted that before the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers, the NCSCN had warned about the deteriorating situation.
He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling, which affirmed that no functional government existed in Rivers State following the demolition of the State House of Assembly.
“The destruction of the assembly building was a direct assault on democracy. It pushed the crisis beyond acceptable limits.”
He added that had the situation escalated further, the consequences would have been far worse than the temporary setback caused by the State of Emergency declaration.
Evaluating the State of Emergency
While acknowledging concerns about the State of Emergency, Akinlosotu defended Tinubu’s decision, arguing that preemptive action was necessary to prevent violence and large-scale destruction.
“It is always better to be proactive rather than reactive. While some may see the declaration as extreme, it ultimately prioritizes protecting lives and property.”
However, he recommended that the State of Emergency should be lifted within three months, provided that peace, stability, and political harmony are restored under the Sole Administrator’s leadership.
“The success of this intervention will be measured by how well it restores order in Rivers State.”
A Call for Lasting Peace
The NCSCN urged all stakeholders to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution, stressing that only a transparent reconciliation process can bring lasting stability to Rivers State.