From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said the National Assembly would set up a reconciliation committee to address the political differences in Rivers.
He made this known while addressing members of the House at resumption of plenary from the Easter/Sallah break, yesterday.
“In the coming weeks, we shall work with the Senate to constitute a high-level committee on reconciliation. It will comprise respected national figures, who will facilitate dialogue, promote peace and support the restoration of democratic order in Rivers and other conflict-affected regions.”
He also condemned the unjustified killings of innocent Nigerians in Borno, Plateau, Benue and Kwara states by terrorists.
He noted that the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the North-East and communal clashes in Plateau, have also resulted in fatalities.
The speaker further said that environmental forecasts indicated that more than 30 states would face severe flooding during the upcoming rainy season.
He urged all relevant committees of the House to work with the executive arm of the government to review the country’s emergency preparedness, propose mitigation strategies and provide oversight legislative frameworks on disaster risk management and climate resilience.
“As we prepare to address these immediate environmental challenges, we must also focus on our long-term legislative priorities.
“One such priority is the ongoing work of the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.
“This committee has been diligently engaging stakeholders across the country and is expected to achieve substantial progress in the months ahead.
“Our goal remains clear. We aim to commence and complete the constitutional amendment process in good time with broad consensus and outcomes that reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he added.
Abbas stressed the need for the House to move decisively to expedite the consideration and passage of critical bills that directly affect Nigerians’ stability, prosperity and well-being.
He said key among such bills was the much-anticipated electoral reform bill, which he said was fundamental to strengthening the country’s democratic processes.
He added that the House must also prioritise legislation in areas that impact the lives of Nigerians, including unemployment, poverty alleviation, fiscal reform, healthcare, education and security.