Nigerian Government Urges Lawmakers To Resolve Crisis
The
Executive arm of government in Nigeria has advised members of
the lower legislative assembly to resolve their rift “in a
serene atmosphere and with befitting decorum.”
In the first direct public comment on the crisis, a statement
signed on behalf of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua by the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Baba Gana
Kingibe expressed the concern of the government over the matter
and called for a speedy resolution of the impasse.
The statement noted that the federal executive took into
consideration, calls from various quarters for the presidency to
intervene in the matter but pointed out that President Yar'Adua
believes in the rule of law and separation of powers.
It said: "Federal Government has noted with concern, the crisis
in the Federal House of Representatives and its attendant
potential to disrupt the business of governance in general and
the legislative functions of the House in particular."
Rule of Law
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law and due process,
the government said it might be difficult in a young democracy
for people to imbibe such tenets. It appealed to all to adhere
to the ethos of democracy so that the system could take firm
root in the country.
The statement reads further: "Government wishes to reiterate its
firm commitment to the rule of law and adhere to due process in
all circumstances and its expectation that all institutions and
individuals will exhibit similar commitment. It should be
understood by all that it is not always easy or convenient to
respect the rule of law and follow due process where such
attitudes have not been internalised. But we must persevere if
these fundamental pillars of democracy are to be firmly built
into our system."
The statement added that the position of government was that the
rules of the chamber must be followed and advised the lawmakers
to be dispassionate so that the matter could be resolved in the
interest of the chamber and the nation.
“Government is of the view that if Honourable members observe
the internal rules of the procedure of the House, and if they
eschew passion and bring reason and maturity to bear on their
deliberations, they can resolve the contentious issues before
them in the best interest of the House and indeed the nation,”
it said.
The government challenged the chamber to rise up and resolve the
impasse in a most peaceful manner, saying: "Government,
therefore, urges the Honourable members of the House of
Representatives to rise to the challenge before them and, in a
serene atmosphere and with befitting decorum, overcome their
current differences in an honourable way forward as expected of
them by the nation."
Misfortune
The contract scam currently rocking the House of
Representatives, took its toll one of the members. In the
pushing and shoving at its session last week, Aminu Shuaibu
Safana, from Katsina State, slumped and later died in the
hospital.
The legislators, who are at odds in two camps, have been
rancorous and physical in advancing their positions on the
controversial renovation of the official residences of the House
Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, and her deputy, Babangida
Nguroje.
Meanwhile, the chamber will hold a valedictory session in honour
of Safana and it is likely to adjourn for the day after the
session till tomorrow, to continue debate on the report of the
nine-man panel that investigated the alleged scam involving the
leadership of the chamber.
NP/YINKA
