Politics
Dekor Wins As Tribunal Dismisses APC, SDP, Accord Party Petitions
The Rivers State National and State Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal has upheld the election victory of the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Dumnamene Robinson Dekor.
The tribunal dismissed the petition of Mr Eric Nwibani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the election of Rt. Hon Dekor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Also dismissed were two other petitions filed against Rt. Hon Dekor by Mr. Naaku Paul of the Accord Party and Mr. Friday Nke-ee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement following the Tribunal’s verdict, Rt. Hon. Dekor expressed gratitude to God for the victory.
The elated federal lawmaker also expressed deep appreciation to the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for their support and encouragement during and after the election.
Rt. Hon. Dekor commended the good people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency for voting for him and also standing by him throughout the Tribunal proceedings.
He also expressed appreciation to the Tribunal for its impartiality and commitment to upholding democratic principles.
He reiterated that his victory in the election has been reaffirmed and emphasized his commitment to serving Ogoni people faithfully and diligently.
“We have always believed in the choice made by our constituents. This Tribunal decision validates their trust in us and affirms that our electoral process remains robust and transparent,” Rt. Hon. Dekor stated.
He extended an olive branch to all his brothers involved, urging unity and cooperation for the progress and development of Ogoni land.
“We must put the election behind us and come together to work for the betterment of our people. Unity is essential, and I am ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in Ogoni to ensure a brighter future for the
Ogoni people”, he said.
Rt. Hon. Dekor dedicated the victory to the memory of his long standing and dependable ally, Hon. Barr. DineBari Loolo, who passed on recently.
He regretted that Hon. Barr. DineBari Loolo was not alive to celebrate the victory with him.
The Tribunal’s ruling marks a significant milestone in Dum Dekor’s electoral journey, underlining the importance of respecting the will of the people and the democratic process.
It will be recalled that Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor won the election with 18,641 votes to defeat other candidates.
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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