Front Pix
Act Most Condemnable …That Police Siege On NASS
Nigeria’s Senate President, David Mark, as Head of the National Assembly last week, shut both chambers. He did so on account of what many Nigerians consider a siege on the Legislative House, by men of the Nigeria Police.
The House of Representatives had reconvened from its break to address a matter of urgent national concern. President Goodluck Jonathan had asked for extension of the state of emergency in three boiling points of North-East, Nigeria, for another six months and urged the legislative to authorise same.
It was to address the same presidential letter that the Upper Chamber decided to summon service chiefs to properly brief them on the propriety of the Commander-in-Chief’s request. But the lower chamber could not discuss the letter elaborately on account of the Police action.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal summed up the day’s sad incident in the words: ‘we are under siege’, and advised the Presidency to leverage on existing constitutional provisions to contain the security concerns in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States, since no debates could go on.
What was the siege all about? Some members of the lower chamber were prevented by some officers and men of the Nigeria Police from gaining access to the Assembly premises. In the ensuing verbal exchanges, Police fired tear gas canisters on the law-makers and their aides.
In fact, some members of the House were pictured on television jumping the Assembly’s high gates to gain access into their hallowed chamber, while others ran for their dear lives. So dehumanising, was the spectacle displayed on television for the world to see.
Who authorised such Police action and why? What was the action intended to achieve? The power of the gun and uniform over laws and reason?
These questions deserve answers, and answers Nigerians must have if we are to check any other excess of its kind. This is because, if members of the National Assembly can suffer such humiliation in the hands of the Police, there is no telling what ordinary Nigerians have to face without a word of protest.
The Police’s Power-show-off, many thought, was limited to protesting students, striking workers or civil society groups on one form of campaign or another, but to visit such level of humiliation on members of an arm of government like those of the National Assembly is most unacceptable.
Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba has since denied ordering such action with a promise to fish-out the culprits. He has since ordered a probe into the matter.
But prior to the IGP’s denial, media reports, quoting police sources had claimed that the security operatives had prior knowledge of a potential threat to security and likely invasion of the National Assembly. That since it had categorised the area as a prime target for terrorists, it was determined to check any breach of peace in the precincts of the legislature. Another report even claimed that some members of the National Assembly, particularly, members of the lower chamber, were accompanied by thugs and other miscreants.
This cannot be an acceptable excuse. Policing in a democratic setting, sets very high ethical standards for operatives, who must be civil in handling matters of the kind. They are expected to use minimum force only when, necessary, but to visit such brute force on Honourable members is unbecoming of a Police under civil rule.
Unfortunately, the Police action has ignited other chain reactions which consequences are indeed grave and enormous.
With the National Assembly now shut, there is no telling how it will affect pending actions. For instance, the President’s request for extension of the state of emergency in the three states will remain on hold. This means, Nigerian troops engaging insurgents in the flash-point areas will be less empowered to go all out for the enemies. Although, the House Speaker, had advised the presidency to leverage on other existing constitutional provisions to do the work, there are indeed legal inhibitions.
Another is the expected review of the bench mark for Nigerian crude that sets the base for the 2015 budget. Ministry of Finance source are requesting a review from 77 dollars per barrel to 73 dollars in view of prevailing circumstances in the oil industry.
That too would put on hold meaning, actual work on the 2015 budget will suffer another long delay, before eventual passage.
In an election year when political differences often compete with national concerns, there is no telling how long the budget will remain in the works.
Perhaps, another issue urgently begging for action is the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passage. But as it stands, work on that too could be delayed, for, none can tell how long for same reasons.
With political parties’ campaigns already on, and several lawmakers seeking re-election, there is little likelihood that much can be achieved between now and the forth coming parties’ primaries and preparation for eventual general elections.
These are only very few of the consequences of the Police action. The other, is the measure of bad blood it has injected into the relationship between the legislative and executive arms. Relations have not been warm since the defection of the Speaker from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the reported withdrawal of personal aides by security institutions.
The recent face-off between the Police and members of the House is like pouring petrol into a burning fire, that requires maturity, statesmanship and patriotism to address. The Police High Command must institute the high powered probe promised, and fish out not only those who carried out the action but indeed those who gave necessary orders.
For now, both the offices of the IGP and the National Security Adviser (NSA) have denied giving such orders, or even ordering the arrest of the Speaker, with a promise to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the Police action.
However, the reaction of some members of the House was a little less, honourable. Some of them reduced themselves to the level of protesting students chanting solidarity songs before national television. Some of them even questioned the necessity of the visit of the Senate President to House on television, and threatened to go physical on a colleague who advised caution.
Happily, Senate President Mark said he held no grudge against anyone over the actions of that day, even as he described Police action as barbaric and unacceptable. That is the truth.
The Police must come clean on this matter by fishing out the culprits, and their commanding officers, especially, those who orders the foot soldiers carried out. It is only when the Police High Command does that, that the general public will believe its claim of innocence, and possible neutrality in future.
For now, there is apprehension in the land over what Police role will be in the coming elections. And unless the Police High Command boosts public confidence in its operations, a lot can go wrong under the excuse of lack of trust.
In all these, neutrality should be the key word. Civility, the order and professionalism, a vow. Without these, a roundly partisan Police cannot be depended upon to do right.
My Agony is that the probe, if it indeed takes off, will last long enough for Nigerians to forget and face more important concerns – like stomach infrastructure, elections and hunger. Too busy to ask further questions, it will then be business as usual.
That siege on the NASS should not end that way, in the interest of our democracy.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Suleiman Abba, IGP And Tambuwal, Speaker, House of Reps
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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