Politics
SDP Cautions FG On Falae’s Integrity
Former Senate President David Mark (middle), with executive members of the Idoma Young Professionals, during their endorsement visit to Senator Mark, in Abuja recently.
As the Federal Govern
ment prosecutes its fight against corruption, the Rivers State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has warned the government not to tarnish the image and reputation of its National Chairman, Chief Olu Falae.
The party’s State Chairman, Engr. Worlu Joshua, who gave the warning in Port Harcourt while reacting to the mention of Chief Falae as part of those who benefited from the arms deal fund, noted that the party’s National Chairman never received money from the former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan but from the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih after an inter-party agreement.
Joshua explained that the National Chairman of the party has served the country in various capacities including Minister of Finance and had maintained high reputation and should not be dragged into what he did not know.
According to him, in as much as the party in the state appreciates the efforts of the present administration to fight corruption, the Federal Government should not use the opportunity to pursue those who did not support the All Progressives Congress in the last presidential election’’.
“Before the presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was informed that SDP had an understanding with the PDP not to field a presidential candidate. Chief Falae had clearly responded to the issues, thus paving the way for the PDP-SDP working cooperation.
“SDP had an “inter-party co-operation” with PDP through Chief Anenih in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP’’, he noted.
The state chairman said the money received by its National Chairman on behalf of SDP was not paid through the office of the former NSA but through Tony Anenih, the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and therefore should be exonerated from those who benefited from the arms deal money.
He said the President has continuously laid emphasis on the need to develop an appropriate technology to comprehensively combat corruption and its vices, stressing that the approach, for example, has produced immense results in eliminating corruption in some government agencies
He assured that the SDP could consider to be a participant in the government but would not allow the name and reputation of its National Chairman to be brought into redicule.
Chief Falae, had in a telephone interview with a television station in Lagos confirmed receiving the money, but, claimed he never knew the money given to him was from the money meant for the purchase of arms to prosecute the war against Boko Haram insurgents.
Also in a press briefing in Abuja, the SDP’s Publicity Secretary, Dr.Abdul Ahmed Isaiq, insisted that his party would not return any money to the government coffers.
He explained that the money was given to his party after being approached by the PDP to assist sell former President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid.
He said it was not paid through the office of the former NSA but through Tony Anenih, the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, ‘’the money we got as a party came because of the alliance we had with the PDP and we have the agreement note from this alliance.
“If it is possible that the money Chief Anenih gave us was from the arms deal, it is left for them to ask Chief Anenih to clarify. As far as we know, we did not have any dealing with Dasuki.”
The SDP spokeman asked the government to hold Anenih, the source of the money rather than the National Chairman or his party responsible.
In a statement on Saturday, the former Senate Leader stated that the allocation of nominees across states and geopolitical zones falls short of the constitutional requirement for fair representation in the composition of the Federal Government.
The ex-Senate Whip warned that allowing the list to pass could deepen ethnic suspicion at a time when the administration should be consolidating national unity.
He highlighted disparities in the spread of nominees, noting that while some states have three or four slots, others have none. He also cited the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
“The entire North-East states have seven nominees in the list. Further checks revealed that the South-West geo-political zone has 15 nominees, while North-West and South-East have 13 and 9, respectively.
“North-Central region has 10 nominees in the list of career and non-career ambassadorial nominee while South-South parades 12 nominees,” Senator Ndume said.
According to him, such imbalances could heighten tensions and undermine Section 14(3) of the Constitution.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list. At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust.
“I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country. He should withdraw that list and present a fresh set of nominees that will align with the spirit of the Constitution on the Federal Character Principle,” Senator Ndume added.
He accused the legislators of undermining the sanctity of the legislature and acting as instruments of destabilization.
“The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions since they assumed office, shown that they are political puppets and a clog in the wheels of democratic progress,” Comrade Ememobong stated, adding that “They will go down in history as enemies of democracy and those who made mockery of the legislature.”
“So the easiest way to describe their action is a defection from APC to APC,” he said.
Comrade Ememobong announced that the party would deploy constitutional provisions to reclaim its mandate from those who have “ignobly and surreptitiously” abandoned the platform on which they were elected.
“Consequently, the PDP will take legal steps to activate the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended) to recover the mandate gained under the banner of our party which these people have now switched to another platform,” he said.
He urged party members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast.
“We urge all party members in Rivers State to remain faithful and resolute, as efforts are underway to rebuild the party along the path of inclusiveness, fairness and equity,” Comrade Ememobong assured.
As the news of the defection of 17 members of Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP )to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make the rounds, a cross section of Rivers people who spoke to The Tide have expressed varying views regarding the development.
At Etche, a senior lecturer with the Rivers State University, who did not want his name in print, said even though defection was the right of politicians, peace and stability remained more fundamental than any action that could further challenge the fragile political situation in the state at the moment.
He also warned that the situation should not be used to witch-hunt any one, adding that the state had suffered enough and needed to be at peace.
In his reaction, Engr Polycarp Geoffrey said even though citizens and residents of the state had cause to be concerned about the decision of the lawmakers, there was nothing to worry about if it was done in good faith.
“I don’t think there is any big deal about it – defection is defection. But people are worried because of past events in the state. So, for me, I don’t see anything about it”, he said.
Engr Geoffrey also urged the Governor Siminalayi Fubara to also openly declare political affiliation in a bid to douse the political tension in the state and to provide clarity regarding his future political direction.
Another respondent, Mr Ebere Alex, alleged ulterior motive behind the law makers’ defection but urged both the law makers and the governor to work for the peace and development of the state.
However, speaking on the development, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Hon Nname Ewor, told The Tide that said his party would reach out to the remaining lawmakers who have not defected.
He also denied an alleged internal squabble within the PDP, adding that there was no crisis in the party.
It would be recalled that 17 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, during plenary last Friday, announced their migration from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party crisis.
Other members who also defected were the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Dumle Maol, representing Gokana Constituency; House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, representing Akulga Constituency 1 and Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, representing Okrika Constituency; Hon. Solomon Wami, Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon Granville Tekena Wellington representing Asari Toru Constituency 1; Hon. Ofiks Kagbang, representing Andoni Constituency; Hon. Peter Abbey representing Degema Constituency; Hon. Arnold Dennis representing Ogu/Bolo Constituency; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwor representing Etche Constituency 2 and Hon. Franklin Nwabochi representing Onelga Constituency 1.
The rest were, Hon. Azeru Opara, representing Port Harcourt Constituency 3; Hon. Smart Adoki representing Port Harcourt Constituency 2; Hon. Igwe Afforji ,Eleme Constituency and Hon. Lolo Opuende representing Akuku Toru Constituency 2.
By: John Bibor
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