Lloyd: RVHA, Peterside Hail Judiciary

The Rivers State House of Assembly has commended the judiciary over the bail granted the leader of the House,Hon Chidi Lloyd as it urged judiciary to continue its support for the survival of democracy in the country.

?Reacting to the bail granted Hon. Lloyd,on behalf of the Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Leyii Kwanee said that by granting bail to the leader despite pressures from powerful interests, the judiciary has demonstrated their commitment ?to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

?Kwanne appealed to the judiciary to resist any attempt by any one to influence them in any case that borders on the rule of law and the survival of democracy.

The Lawmaker who is also the Chairman, Parliamentary Exchange and Mentorship Programme of the Pan African Parliament, urged the judiciary to apply the spirit of the law and judicial activism in order to protect the country’s nascent democracy.

?Hon Kwanee frowned at the attitude of those he described as powers-that-be that are using every might at their disposal to deal with the Leader including the use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),which was not relevant to the issue in order to achieve the conviction of the leader.

?He adviced politicians to play the game according to the rules and urged them to play their own part in order not to derail the country’s democracy.

?The Deputy Speaker further appealed to well meaning and non partisan Nigerians to wade into the Rivers crisis and reconcile all parties in the interest of the nation.

In his reaction, the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, hailed the decision.

?Hon. Peterside, who is also Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) said that the decision of the High Court was a clear testimony that the judiciary remains the last hope of every citizen in the land.

?”For me, the decision of the high court to grant bail to Hon. Chidi Lloyd has demonstrated that the judiciary will always stand up for the truth; it shows that despite pressures and blackmail from certain quarters, the judiciary in Rivers State is committed to upholding the hallowed principles of justice, equity and fairness,” the federal lawmaker stated.

?Continuing,  Peterside congratulated Hon. Chidi Lloyd for the strength of character he exhibited even in the face of physical and psychological torture meted out on him while in the detention of the Nigerian Police.

?”It was obvious that even in the face of physical abuse aimed at breaking him; Hon. Lloyd showed unequalled strength of character. He did not allow his spirit to be broken; he denied them that psychological triumph they so much craved for. Indeed, Hon. Chidi Lloyd showed that he is a true defender of democracy,” Peterside opined.

?Hon. Peterside condemned the state of siege which Rivers State is being subjected to, calling on politicians to always weigh the consequences of whatever actions they take.

He expressed the conviction that the truth of what is playing out in Rivers State would surely come to light someday and the good people of Rivers State will eventually appreciate the personal sacrifices the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has made towards protecting the interest of Rivers people.