Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has stepped into the protracted political crisis in the state, announcing the establishment of a high-level nine-man committee aimed at mediating between contending factions and restoring stability to the oil-rich state. The intervention marks a significant traditional institution–led effort to de-escalate tensions that have persisted for months and threatened governance, security and social cohesion in Rivers State.
The decision was formally communicated in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, DSSRS, JP, who is also the Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom. According to the statement, the committee has been constituted in recognition of the sensitive nature of the political situation and the need for an inclusive, culturally grounded and peaceful resolution process.
At the head of the committee is His Majesty, Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, who will serve as Chairman, while His Majesty, Eze Barrister Nwachukwu Nnam Obi, has been appointed Co-Chairman. The council described the selection of the leadership as deliberate, reflecting their experience, standing and capacity to engage all sides of the political divide with credibility and neutrality. The committee is expected to interface with key stakeholders across the political spectrum, including elected officials, party leaders, elders and other influential actors, with the ultimate goal of proffering sustainable and enduring solutions that will guarantee peace in the state.
The other members of the committee are drawn from across Rivers State’s traditional landscape and include His Majesty, Eze Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu; His Majesty, Eze Leslie Eke; His Majesty, Dr. Samuel Amaechi; His Majesty, Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo; His Majesty, Eze Barrister Onyekachi Amaonwu; HRH King Agolia Aboko; and HRH Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo. Barrister Darlington Owiriwa will serve as Secretary to the committee, providing legal and administrative coordination for its activities.
The formation of the committee comes against the backdrop of a deepening political impasse in Rivers State, characterised by strained relations between the executive arm of government and sections of the legislature, as well as divisions among political elites. The crisis has dominated public discourse in recent months, generating uncertainty and drawing national attention, while raising concerns among residents, investors and civil society groups about its implications for governance and development.
In its statement, the Council of Traditional Rulers emphasised that the intervention is driven purely by the desire to preserve peace and stability, noting that traditional institutions have a historic responsibility to act as custodians of harmony and mediators in times of conflict. The council expressed confidence that the committee, working quietly and diligently, would be able to open channels of dialogue and reduce the temperature of political engagements in the state.
Beyond constituting the committee, the traditional rulers issued a strong appeal to the public, particularly supporters of various political factions and active users of social media, to exercise restraint in their comments and actions. The council warned that inflammatory rhetoric, misinformation and provocative conduct could further escalate tensions and undermine efforts at reconciliation. Citizens were urged to refrain from any acts capable of causing a breach of peace, stressing that stability remains a collective responsibility.
Observers note that the involvement of traditional rulers adds a new dimension to ongoing peace efforts, complementing earlier interventions by political leaders, elder statesmen and regional bodies. Traditional institutions in Rivers State command moral authority at the grassroots level, and their entry into the mediation process is seen by many as an opportunity to reach constituencies that formal political negotiations may not easily access.
Analysts also point out that the credibility of the committee will depend largely on its perceived neutrality and its ability to engage all parties without prejudice. The council’s emphasis on sustainability and enduring peace suggests that the committee’s mandate goes beyond short-term crisis management to addressing underlying grievances and fostering mutual understanding among political actors.
For many residents, the announcement has been greeted with cautious optimism. While some see it as a timely and necessary step, others stress that meaningful outcomes will depend on the willingness of political leaders to put the interests of the state above partisan considerations. There is also an expectation that the committee will operate transparently and keep the public informed, without compromising the confidentiality often required in sensitive negotiations.
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity and development, reiterating that Rivers State belongs to all its people regardless of political affiliation. By invoking shared heritage and collective destiny, the council hopes to re-anchor political engagement in dialogue, respect and restraint.
As the committee begins its work, attention will turn to how quickly it can convene stakeholders and whether its efforts will translate into tangible de-escalation of tensions. In a state whose economic importance extends far beyond its borders, the success of this traditional mediation initiative could have implications not only for Rivers State but also for broader conversations about the role of traditional institutions in modern governance and conflict resolution in Nigeria.
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