Politics
Is Expulsion Of Amaechi’s Loyalists Constitutional?
All is truly not well with the Rivers State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which I now refer as “palaver house” given the deepening political crisis rocking the party. The Felix Obuah-led executive of the party with the support of Minister of State for Education, Barr. Nyesom Wike has been doing everything possible to destabilise the Amaechi administration using their contacts at all levels. Of course, the Minister of State for Education had reportedly said that he would make the state ungovernable which elicited reactions from individuals and groups, calling on the police authorities to arrest and prosecute him for “openly threatening the lives of Rivers people , peace and security of the state.”
Political observers are of the view that the primary objective of the Felix Obuah-led executive of the state PDP is to wrest power at all cost from Governor Amaechi. To this effect, it has been fighting dirty since it came on board via an Abuja High Court judgment, thus, heating up the polity. The various courts in the land are replete with litigations arising from the actions of the Felix Obuah-led exco, ranging from suspension to outright expulsion of members of pro-Amaechi group.
A week ago, the Felix Obuah-led exco expelled 18 associates of Governor Amaechi for failing to appear before Osinakachukwu Ideozu-led committee on Performance Evaluation of political office holders, elected and appointed on the platform of PDP in Rivers State. Those expelled include former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr Sam Sam-Jaja, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), George Feyii, Chief of Staff, Government House, Tony Okocha and the Adminsitrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam.
Fourteen commissioners were also expelled, namely, Victor Giadom (Works), Augsutine Wokocha (Power), Worgu Boms (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Joe Poroma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation), Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi (Lands and Survey), Fred Igwe (Sports), Emmaunel Chinda (Agriculture), Joeba West (Women Affairs), Patricia Simon-Hart (Water Resources and Rural Development), Okey Amadi (Energy), Charles Okaye (Chieftaincy Affairs), Nnabuike Imeagwu (Culture and Tourism) and Samuel Eyiba (Local Government).
However, we must pause and take a critical look at the relevant provisions of the PDP constitution for the justification or otherwise of the extreme punitive measure meted out to Governor Amaechi’s associates. Article 21.4 of the PDP constitution states: “The Working Committee at any level of the party may after preliminary hearings, suspend a member from the party for a period not exceeding one month during which period the member so suspended shall not lose his or her right to contest any election but shall be referred to the appropriate disciplinary Committee.”
Article 21.5 states: “Where an allegation is made against a member of the party, the Disciplinary committee shall inform the member in writing of the allegations made against him or her.”
Article 21.6 states: “A member who appears before a Disciplinary Committee shall be given the opportunity to present his or her case orally or in writing either in person or through a counsel of his or her choice and shall be allowed to call witnesses. A decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or her or has not been given any opportunity of defending himself or herself shall be null and void.”
Did the Felix Obuah-led exco adhere to the constitutional provisions before wielding the sledge hammer on Governor Amaechi’s associates? Hear Hon Obuah: “The refusal of the 18 affected persons to send in written reports of their steawardship, if they were not chanced to put up appearance, despite the well-published sitting arrangements of the committee is considered as an affront, insubordination and lack of respect for constitutional authority.”
“The committee duly notified all concerned and was willing to accept any written report from such persons where necessary, but did not receive any supervening circumstance that made it impossible for any of them to honour the invitation.
“We had no choice, but to show them the way out of the party, because we cannot continue to operate in this disorderly manner, being a serious and disciplined political party.”
From the fore-going, it is very glaring that the expulsion of the 18 members of the party was not in line with the PDP constitution.
The affected members ought to have been suspended and informed in writing about their offence and also given the opportunity to defend themselves before the party could take further action against them. Again, Obuah explained that the PDP members who did not appear before the committee escaped sanction because they got in touch with the party leadership and the committee, but most importantly, sent in documentation of their performances. But the nine commissioners in Governor Amaechi’s cabinent that were left out had debunked the claim that they participated in the Performance Evaluation exercise. They said that it was a ploy to create disaffection among members of pro-Aamechi group. However, the onus of proof lies with the Felix Obuah-led executive so as to absolve the party of nefarious contrivance to cause confusion in Governor Amaechi’s camp.
More worrisome is the fact that the case between Amaechi and the PDP Performance Evaluation Committee is before a State High Court in Port Harcourt presided over by Justice Silverlyn Iragunuma, prior to the announcement of the purported expulsion. In an interview with a national daily recently, the Counsel to Amaechi and 27 lawmakers in the State Assembly who are loyal to him (Amaechi), Emenike Ebete had explained that the suit before Justice Iragunuma (a vacation court) was the same suit in which the governor, members of the National Assembly and council chairmen were seeking injunction to stop the Performance Evaluation committee from assessing them.
He said that the court had already granted Amaechi the leave sought to serve all processes ofhis ex-parte application on the PDP national secretariat by registered post while that of the State PDP should be served by posting.
If so, there is more to the expulsion which was hurriedly slammed on the 18 associates of Governor Amaechi. According to Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Tony Okocha, “what they are planning is to use fake delegates for the mini-convention of the PDP that is coming up this weekend. Could that be the reason?
Again, why is the national leadership of the party unperturbed about the crisis in the State PDP. Rivers State is predominantly a PDP State and returned the highest votes for Mr President in 2011 general elections. Is it that the party is ready to forgo over two million votes because some political opponents within the party want to destroy Governor Amaechi for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and rule of law? Governor Amaechi is an asset to PDP and deserves every modicum of respect from the party members, including Felix Obuah-led executive. Rather than making inflammatory utterances and taking actions that will impact negatively on the political fortune of the party, Obuah should take advantage of the reconciliatory efforts by the national leadership of the party to restore peace in his “palaver house.”
In a recent interview, Chief Akande also said Senator Ladoja entered a no case submission for the suspects accused of assassinating the ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
But the ex-governor has denied the allegation, saying old age has probably affected the memory of the former Osun State Governor to remember what happened during the period.
Senator Ladoja wondered why Chief Akande, who said he knew many things about the assassination that he would not disclose, did not tell the public what exactly surrounded the killing of the former AGF on December 23, 2001.
Senator Ladoja, next in the hierarchy to the Olubadan of Ibadan, said this when speaking with reporters in his Bodija residence in Ibadan.
Speaking in an interview with Edmund Obilo, Chief Akande suggested that Senator Ladoja might have important information about late Chief Ige’s killing.
He alleged that Chief Ige was killed by the government and described his death as a “state murder” — but never affirmed a specific person who committed the crime.
Chief Akande claimed that Senator Ladoja withdrew a case related to the murder that had initially been pursued by his predecessor, former Governor Lam Adesina.
“I was the chief security officer of Osun State at the time, not Oyo State. Lam Adesina was the chief security officer of Oyo State and he went to court and the governor that took over from him, Ladoja, withdrew the case from court. He might be able to tell you more, he might know more than I do know,” Chief Akande said.
“There are many things that die with people. I know Lam Adesina went to court over the matter, and I also know his successor, (Rashidi) Ladoja, withdrew the case. Ask Ladoja; he would know more about Bola Ige’s death”, he added.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also expressed regret that ex-governor Adesina had confided in him about certain details he could no longer disclose.
Chief Akande noted that key figures, including the former Oyo state governor, who could have shed more light on the case, had passed away.
“Because there are many things you don’t want to tell the public. I don’t want to tell anybody. Now Bola Ige is dead, and Lam Adesina too is dead, so who will be my witness? Nobody,” he added.
Addressing journalists at his residence in Ibadan, Senator Ladoja described Chief Akande’s claims as false.
He said that the case was pursued up to the Supreme Court during his tenure, and denied ever having withdrawn any charges.
“I didn’t withdraw the case; my government didn’t withdraw any case. The case was even prosecuted till apex court, Chief Akande lied against me. This is not the first time people said he lied; someone like Baba Adebanjo even said he lied in his book.
“We are not all happy as a result of Chief Bola Ige’s death, and we are all concerned about his death. I was very close to Chief Bola Ige while alive”, he said.
In 2016, former President Muhammadu Buhari ordered that the investigation into the murder be reopened, but there has been little progress since.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has signed into law the amended Cross River Local Government Law, a significant legislative milestone aimed at enhancing grassroots governance and service delivery in the state.
A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr NSA Gill, said Governor Otu commended the State House of Assembly for its proactive and people-centered legislative work while speaking at the bill signing ceremony which held at his temporary office in Calabar.
The governor emphasized that the amended law would strengthen representation at the grassroots level and drive meaningful development.
“In no distant time, the difference at the grassroots level will be clear,” the governor assured.
Reflecting on the political landscape, Governor Otu expressed satisfaction with the Assembly’s status as a fully All Progressives Congress (APC) legislature.
He noted that with the party now fully in control, unity and collaboration were imperative to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, highlighted the transformative impact of the amendments.
He stated that the revised law would accelerate economic development, encourage broader participation in governance, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
Some of the key amendments to the Principal Law include: Section 4(4) – increases the number of departments from seven to twelve, allowing for a more structured and efficient administration; Section 5(2) – adjustments in percentages of funds allocated to key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance effectiveness and efficiency; Section 20(1) – entrusts Vice Chairmen of councils with oversight on humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary matters, as well as sports; Section 21, which mandates that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character, ensuring balanced representation.
Sections 22(3) and 22(6) – enhance the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff; Sections 22(a) and 22(b) – provide for the statutory appointment of up to 50 persons per council and introduce the role of Ward Relations Officers, who will serve as Special Assistants in each Council Ward; as well as elevation of Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) to now have the same rank as Permanent Secretaries at the state level, recognizing their critical role in local governance.
“Knowing this, stakeholders will quickly show commitment to internal security by overhauling the system if they no longer have access to police escorts”.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Mr Amamgbo said the measure would help the government develop the right strategies to tackle insecurity and make the country safe again.
“It’s either we rise together or fall together. It’s either we provide security for everybody, or we cannot have our own mini-army while everybody else dies.
“The security situation in the country currently requires a law that will make it impossible for security agents to be assigned to wealthy people,” he said.
He advocated an upward review of security votes to governors, especially in states “where insecurity has become so pronounced that people now live in fear and hardly run their businesses or sleep in peace.”
Mr Amamgbo added, “Security votes allocated to governors should not be seen as pocket money. A committee made up of well-meaning citizens, who are professionals in their various fields, should be constituted to handle the funds, ensure proper utilisation, and enforce accountability.”
He also mentioned that Anambra South was worse hit by the prevailing state of insecurity in the country such as kiddnapping, cultism and sit-at-home, among others ravaging the state.
According to him, for several years, Anambra South, particularly Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Orumba South, have been under siege by non-state actors.
“They have turned our once-thriving communities into theatres of war and bloodshed. Our people, who are predominantly traders, industrialists, farmers, and professionals, now live in perpetual anxiety, unable to go about their lawful businesses,” Mr Amamgbo lamented.
He stated that the unfortunate development had led to the destruction of businesses, economic downturn and displacement of families from their ancestral homes.
He also said that the security challenge had broken law and order, with security agencies stretched beyond their limits.
Mr Amamgbo, therefore, called on the state government to step up efforts to flush out criminals in Anambra South.
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