Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has commended the courageous decision of Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, former Spokesman of APC Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa Ahmed Ibeto for returning to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, on Wednesday, the Governor said their defection came at a time when the nation needs the input of genuine patriots to rescue the nation from anarchy and anti-democratic forces.
Governor Okowa noted that the incessant harassment of opposition leaders by security agencies is an indication of creeping dictatorship and inability of the All Progressives Congress led Federal Government to tolerate divergent political views.
“Senator Saraki, as Chairman of the 8th National Assembly, no doubt has conducted the affairs of the Senate in line with the wishes of the majority of Nigerians who believe in the powers of the legislature to protect democracy”.
” I welcome our dear Senate President, distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed and Aminu Tambuwal back to the PDP. Their coming to the PDP at this time will no doubt improve the fortunes of the party ahead of the 2019 General elections as we look forward to enthroning good governance in our nation”.
Okowa further encouraged other Governors, lawmakers to consider joining the PDP as the party is set on a mission to rescue Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has praised the judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld the powers of the National Assembly to make laws, including the bill amending election sequence.
The judgment dismissed the earlier verdict of the Federal High Court which stopped the National Assembly from overriding the assent of the President on the bill.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, stated that the judgment has further reinforced the belief of Nigerians that the judiciary remains the hope of the country in strengthening democracy, resolving conflicts between various arms and levels of government as well protecting the rights of individuals.
He added that with the judgment, it is now clear that the National Assembly was right when it passed the bill stating the sequence of elections and that the legislature reversed its decision on the issue, after President Muhammadu Buhari refused assent to the bill, in the interest of peace and to forestall any legal obstacle on the way of the 2019 elections.
“I have always believed in the need to test our laws in court by seeking judicial interpretations on contentious issues. By doing so, we will be expanding the scope of our laws, sharpening the rough edges of legislation and asserting our faith in the judiciary as a fundamental arbiter”, the President of the Senate stated.
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