The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has drawn the intervention of South-South political leaders, including governors, who are making efforts to reconcile the warring parties.

According to multiple sources in the Presidency, the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 is intended as a temporary measure to facilitate peace and reconciliation.

Tinubu justified the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly members by citing governance breakdown and attacks on oil facilities.

He appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ette Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator, relying on Section 305 of the Constitution to back his decision. However, some stakeholders have condemned the move as unnecessary and a step toward authoritarian rule.

Presidency sources defended the decision, stating that the emergency rule provides an opportunity for both parties to de-escalate tensions. The Senate and South-South governors are leading reconciliation efforts, with discussions on setting up a mediation panel, as suggested by the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives is also expected to announce a committee to oversee the state’s legislative affairs. The House had earlier raised concerns about Tinubu’s declaration, arguing that Section 305 should not be read in isolation of Section 11, which gives the National Assembly power to take over legislative duties when a state assembly is unable to function.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been accused of fueling the crisis. His aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed such claims, arguing that Wike was not responsible for the House of Assembly’s destruction, the impeachment attempts, or the alleged directive to youths to attack pipelines. He insisted that Wike remains open to peace discussions.

Suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made his first public appearance on Sunday, March 23, attending a church service at Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, with key political allies.

His media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, maintained that Fubara is committed to peace and has been implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment on the crisis. He questioned whether the state lawmakers, allegedly influenced by Abuja, would be open to reconciliation.