Politics
PDP National Convention: A Victory For Democracy
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When the leadership of
the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, re-appointed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the chairman of the 17th August, 2016 National Convention Planning Committee, it was because the party needed a strong and dedicated political strategist with the right skills to weather the storm of the anti-denocratic antics of the ruling party.
They knew ab-initio that it would take the political engineering skills of a tested political horse to ensure the success of the repeat National Convention of the PDP, in the face of the developmental failures of the party in power at the centre.
Judicial Doubts
A few days to the convention, it became quite clear that there was a deliberate plot from the powers that be to scuttle the National Convention in Port Harcourt. As preparations reached fever pitch, the Judicial struggle over the propriety or otherwise of the convention came to the fore.
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt inSuit Number FHC/PH/CS/585/2016, between Senator Ben Obi for himself and other members of the National Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, State Security Service, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ordered the Police, DSS and INEC to participate in the 17th August, 2016 National Convention.
He declared that, “it is necessary for the defendants to carry out their respective functions at the 17th August, 2016”.
The court further declared that its judgment of 4th July, 2016 remains valid until set aside by a competent jurisdiction, which in this case is the Court of Appeal.
On the other hand, another Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Okon Abang gave an interlocutory injunction asking the Inspector General of Police not to provide for the August 17th National Convention.
Judicial Distinction
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dejo Lamikanra explained that regarding the PDP conflict, there is only one judgment—that delivered by Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt which validated the May 21 National Convention of the PDP giving life to the National Caretaker Committee of the PDP under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi.
Lamikanra (SAN) noted that the interlocutory injunction of Justice Abang is inferior to the judgment and therefore cannot be placed above the considered judgment of a court.
In a similar vein, the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt through its judgment on the originating summons filed by the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee on 16th August, 2016 reaffirmed that the National Caretaker Committee is the only organ with executive powers at present in the PDP.
Therefore, there was no controversy as to the body that had the legal backing to conduct the activities of the PDP. It was clear that until the Court of Appeal decides oterwise, the Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP Caretaker Committee was in legal control of the party.
Endorsements for the National Convention
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, declared its support for the conduct of the National Convention in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during a solidarity visit on Governor Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, a day before the convention , Chairman of the Board of Trustees , Senator Walid Jubrin said board members at their pre-convention meeting endorsed the contributions of the governor to re-position the party.
The Board of Trustees stated that the appointment of the governor as the chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee was commendable as it has helped to set up a worthwhile convention.
.Senator Wali Jubrin said all the leaders of the PDP were in Rivers State for the National Convention .
Head of Publicity of the Caretaker Committee , Prince Dayo Adeyeye on the eve of the National Convention announced that the convention would go ahead on the strength of Justice Ibrahim Watila judgment of 16th August, 2016.
A statement by Prince Adeyeye read : “Our attention has been drawn once again to another act of judicial recklessness by the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Okon Abang of the purported suspension of the PDP National Convention holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers on Wednesday the 17 of August 2016.
“We wish to however state that a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt Rivers State has earlier in the day given a comprehensive Order wherein the Honourable Judge specifically ordered the PDP to proceed with the convention as scheduled without hindrance. Indeed his lordship while given the Order mandated all relevant agencies including The Police, DSS and INEC to cooperate with the Party in organizing a hitch free National Convention.
“You may also wish to note that the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State gave an Interlocutory Order while Justice Okon Abang, Abuja, gave an interim order. The order of Port Harcourt is clearly superior and earlier in time to the interim order given by Justice Okon Abang. In the light of the above, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a law-abiding party is obeying the order of the Port Harcourt Federal High Court until set aside by any competent court of jurisdiction.
“In view of the above, the 2016 Repeat National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will continue as scheduled as we welcome all delegates, party leaders, other critical stakeholders, INEC monitoring team and other friends of PDP to Port Harcourt, Rivers State while wishing all our members and supporters a successful National Convention.”
Failed Attempt to Scuttle PDP National Convention
In the early hours of 17th August, 2016, security agents acting on illegal orders from above invaded Sharks Stadium, venue of the PDP National Convention. Numbering over 500, they chased out all delegates and party officials who were gathered at the venue waiting for the convention to kick off . Armed to the teeth with armoured personnel carriers and sophisticated weapons, they also blocked all routes to the stadium.
The police high command claimed that they obeyed an interlocutory injunction from Justice Okon Abang. With the benefit of hindsight, Nigerians now know the value of Justice Abang’s judgments. The Court of Appeal made very fundamental pronouncements on Justice Okon Abang.
Following the action by the security agencies, all the organs of the PDP met at the Government House, Port Harcourt where they took far reaching decisions. The principal decision being that the PDP must defend the nation’s democracy, which it has nurtured to maturity. They resolved to go ahead with the PDP National Convention.
Successful National Convention
The process for the successful PDP National Convention started with inauguration of the National Executive Committee of the party by the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Performing the inauguration at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday , Senator Makarfi said that the National Executive Committee, NEC, include the PDP Governors, National Assembly Caucus , Board of Trustees, National Caucus, 36 State PDP chairmen and national officers of the party
The PDP National Convention approved the extension of the tenure of the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi by 12 months.
The motion was moved by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu and seconded by the former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina.
The Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike put the question for the extension of the lifespan of the committee, which was unanimously approved.
The National Caretaker Committee was expanded to have a membership of 13 persons. The National Convention further approved that no member of the current National Caretaker Committee will contest elections whenever it is held.
The National Convention had earlier adopted a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor to amend the agenda of the National Convention and step down the issue of election.
Party leaders in separate goodwill messages at the National Convention condemned the Federal Government for entrenching political impunity that is a threat to democracy.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi assured that the party will continue to forge ahead.
Attendance
The 17th August National Convention attracted thousands of PDP faithful from the 36 States of the Federation and Abuja. The population far exceeded the number that attended the May 21 National Convention earlier in the year.
In attendance were the 12 PDP Governors, several former Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members, State Assembly members, former Ministers, BOT members, 36 State PDP chairmen and party elders.
From the list of leaders and delegates that participated in the convention, it was clear that Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff was being used by external forces to distract the party. The former Acting National Chairman has no founding member or leader of the PDP with him.
It is instructive to note that before the amendment of the agenda of the National Convention to remove the election of party officers, 57 candidates had been screened and ready for the voting process.
Peaceful Nature of Port Harcourt
One point that must not be discountenanced in any post-convention analysis is the peaceful nature of Port Harcourt and Rivers State. Over 100,000 Nigerians directly and indirectly connected to the convention converged in the state without an incident.
Even the illegal actions of security agencies did not provoke the people as they insisted on maintaining peace so that democracy can thrive.
Governor Wike’s Post National Convention Assessment
Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that the successful conduct of the August 17th National Convention of the party flows from the commitment of all bonafide members to reposition it in the interest of the country.
Governor Wike in an interview noted that the calibre of members who graced the convention proves that the party has moved on after the unnecessary crisis generated by its former Acting National Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff.
Governor Wike said, “the calibre of persons who attended the National Convention is an indication that the PDP remains strong with quality members who are ever ready to make sacrifices.
“At the national convention were PDP Governors, former Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members, former Ministers, BOT members, all State PDP chairmen, party elders and delegates from all over the country. We are happy that the party has moved on”.
He noted that the PDP is a law-abiding party, which did not struggle with the security agencies after they illegally invaded the initial venue of the National Convention. He said the party leaders and delegates simply moved to another location for a successful National Convention.
Victory for Democracy
The resolve of the PDP leaders to go ahead with the PDP National Convention despite the display of impunity by the powers that be is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. It proved that no level of deployment of the agents of state violence can not stop the PDP from working towards the deepening of democracy, with the ultimate goal of changing the government in 2019.
The successful 17th August National Convention further proved that the leaders and members of the PDP are determined to stake their resources in defence of democracy which they groomed since 1999. After all, Nigeria is enjoying its longest spell of democracy, courtesy of the PDP.
Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, on Electronic Media.
Politics
Lagos Assembly Commotion: Lawmakers Reject Obasa’s Return, Pass Confidence Vote On Meranda
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence in Mojisola Meranda as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The lawmakers expressed their confidence in her leadership at the plenary, which Rt Hon. Meranda presided over amidst tight security.
The Tide’s source reports that there was a growing tension at the assembly as legislative workers protested against the alleged plans to remove Rt Hon. Meranda as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The legislative workers also clashed with the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) who, in the early hours of Monday, stormed the assembly and sealed Rt Hon. Meranda’s office alongside that of her Deputy and the Clerk.
Our source had reported how armed security personnel took over the complex at Alausa, Ikeja, leading to palpable tension among the lawmakers and workers of the assembly.
There are indications that the ongoing imbroglio at the assembly following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker on January 13 has not abated.
The Monday’s drama came a few days after Mr Obasa, who was removed for alleged abuse of office and corruption, dragged the state lawmakers to court, challenging his removal as the Speaker of the Assembly.
There are alleged plans to return Mr Obasa as the Speaker, a development which has further heightened tension at the assembly.
The Tide’s source reports that when Meranda arrived the assembly complex amidst tight security around 11:15 am on Monday, many legislative workers showed solidarity with the first female Speaker over alleged plans to remove her.
“Meranda we want”, “Meranda We want”, the workers were chanting in a short video clip.
Rt Hon. Meranda visibly overwhelmed by emotion was surrounded by her security details amid the chaotic atmosphere.
Inside the chamber, officials of the DSS clashed with the legislative workers, leading to commotion.
The DSS officials, dressed in black jackets and helmets and armed with weapons, struggled with the workers at the door.
The Tide’s source gathered that, with support from the legislative workers, lawmakers had earlier forced their way into the chamber around 12:30 pm.
It was further gathered that Rt Hon Meranda and about 32 members were present at the plenary.
A short video clip of the plenary showed that all the lawmakers in attendance had passed a vote of confidence on Rt Hon Meranda.
“Madam Speaker, all members standing before you, I move a motion to say that we do pass the vote of confidence on Rt Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda”, a lawmaker said.
The motion was supported by all members in attendance.
Politics
PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Killings In Osun Local Councils’ Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, on Monday, traded words over the alleged killing of three persons.
Members of both parties were locked in battle for the control of some local government secretariats. While two persons were killed in Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Area, another was killed in Irewole Local Government Area.
There had been tension across the state over the Court of Appeal judgment in respect of the sacked APC council chairmen and councillors.
While the PDP claimed that the Feb. 10 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure, did not reinstate the sacked APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, APC insisted on their return.
Speaking with journalists in Iragbiji, Korede Ajeigbe, the commissioner for government affairs and protocol, claimed that two PDP members were killed while trying to prevent APC members from taking over a secretariat.
Mr Ajeigbe also said that six PDP members were seriously injured and were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
APC, however, alleged that PDP members attacked its members while trying to enforce the Court of Appeal judgment.
Addressing a news conference in Osogbo, Bayo Adeleke, a chieftain of the APC, claimed that one of the party’s prominent members was killed during the crisis.
He also alleged that another member of the party, Remi Omowaye, escaped an assassination attempt in Ilesa.
Mr Adeleke, a former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, urged the state government to allow peace to reign by allowing the APC chairmen and councillors to return to office.
Another chieftain of the party, Jamiu Olawumi, claimed that APC chairmen had resumed in 15 local governments of the state.
This claim, however, could not be immediately verified.
When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, CSP Yemisi Opalola, said she was yet to be briefed on the alleged killings.
Ms Opalola, however, said police officers had been deployed to all the local government secretariats in the state to prevent breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ademola Adeleke has directed workers as well as politicians to stay away from local government secretariats to avoid further bloodshed.
Mr Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said only security agents would be allowed to keep watch at the secretariats.
He condoled with families of victims of the crisis.
Politics
100 Days In Office: Lawmaker Passes Confidence Vote On Council Boss
Leader of the 8th Opobo/Nkoro Legislative Assembly, Barrister Samuel Nengia, has passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of the LGA, Dr. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, as he marked his first one hundred days in his second term in office.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Port-Harcourt on Dr Cookey-Gam and the celebration of his first one hundred days in office, among other people-oriented development projects and programmes, Nengia argued that the Chairman and his team have recorded unprecedented developmental strides, which includes infrastructure transformation, empowerment, security, human capital development, payment of the approved N85,000. 00 minimum wage to Opobo/Nkoro workers’, among others.
He pointed out that his commendation was apt as the activities of the Chairman had been monitored and discovered to reflect the expectations and yearnings of the people, especially, the promotion of council staff, the refurbishment of the Assembly Complex to standard, the construction of Corpers’ Lodge, the provision of effective transportation system for the well-being of the people in the area.
Hon. Nengia, representing Opobo/Nkoro Ward 6, averred that the people of the LGA could now sleep with their eyes closed owing to Dr Cookey-Gam’s achievements in in the security sector.
He added that the vote of confidence the Council’s number one citizen would strengthen him to deliver more democratic dividends to Opobo/Nkoro people.
He admonished Opobo/Nkoro people to rally support for the Chairman to perform creditably well for the well-being of the electorate in the area.
Meanwhile, Barr. Samuel Nengia, has thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointing three illustrious sons of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area into positions of trust vis former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, as Chairman, Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission; former Secretary of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Engr. Edward Namiesimagha, as Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) and Surveyor Peter Ogolo, as Surveyor-, General of the state.
Hon. Nengia, who described the appointments as well deserved, however, enjoined the appointees to bring their leadership wealth of experience to bear in the herculean tasks of reviving their various areas of jurisdiction.
Bethel Toby