Retired Honourable Justice Mojeed Owoade, Chairman of ActionAid Nigeria’s Independent Judicial Accountability Panel, has urged for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, emphasising the role of the National Assembly in ensuring constitutional order.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Justice Owoade addressed the legal and political implications of appointing a sole administrator for Rivers State.
He noted that while the Head of State has stated that the administrator shall not make laws, the question remains whether regulations issued by the administrator would fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“The National Assembly has a fundamental, a big role,” he stated, highlighting that the legislature holds the authority to moderate the situation and decide on the next steps. He urged patience, saying, “Maybe we should just wait and see.”
Justice Owoade also questioned why retired military officials are often chosen as sole administrators in such situations, suggesting that individuals with backgrounds in security and peace-building might be better suited for resolving conflicts.
“You don’t actually need fire for fire,” he said. “You need to look at peace.” He warned that prolonged instability could negatively impact oil production and, ultimately, harm the most vulnerable in society.
Offering advice to stakeholders, Justice Owoade called on the National Assembly to prioritise public interest in its decisions. “If they feel that it is not right to appoint an administrator or it hasn’t gotten to that stage, they may reject it. And that ends the matter,” he explained.
For politicians involved in the crisis, he encouraged dialogue and compromise, stating that the situation could still be resolved through negotiation rather than escalating tensions.
