PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has signalled his intention to intervene in the crises rocking Edo and Bauchi State Assemblies, promising to ensure justice and fair play.
Speaking on Wednesday at the presidential villa, Abuja when he received in audience, members of the Bauchi House of Assembly as well as other stakeholders in the state, he said that he will work with the relevant constitutional bodies to resolve the crises rocking the Houses of Assembly in Bauchi and Edo States.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) quoted him as saying: “I am aware of the problem in Edo and Bauchi States and I try to appreciate my position as the President, the political situation vis a vis the constitution of our country, the role of the commissioners of police and the party. I always like to be on the side of the constitution.”
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The President promised to liaise with the Minister of Justice when sworn in and the Inspector General of Police, to ensure that the rights of the constituencies and individuals were not abused in any form.
The President, however, urged the members not to give up their rights and the rights of those who elected them, charging them not to compromise on their individual integrity so as not to divide the House and the party.
He advised them to stay firm, bearing in mind their responsibilities to their constituencies and always keep the party in the State and at the centre informed.
The party members led by the Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had briefed the President on events leading to the crisis in the House.
Meanwhile, the 17 All Progressive Congress (APC) members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, who recently made themselves available for inauguration following an initial refusal, have made a u-turn after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday at the presidential villa, Abuja.
The members had rejected what they saw as the imposition of the minority over the majority and had subsequently formed a parallel leadership until a few days ago when they agreed to be inaugurated.
The factional Speaker, Kawuwa Damina, led the remaining 16 members to take their oath of office and oath of allegiance, in a move that was seen as the end of the crisis in the house.
But after Wednesday’s meeting with the President, Damina announced to State House correspondents that the APC members have reverted to their position of not allowing minority rule over the majority.
He maintained that the faction wanted the right thing to be done in the state legislature.
The factional Speaker affirmed that President Buhari has offered to brief incoming Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to wade into the matter.
Asked what was the current situation in the state assembly, the factional Speaker said: “The situation is as it is now. Because in arithmetic, there is nothing that will make 11 to be greater than 20; and later that 11 grew to 13. So that is the position.”
He added: “Let me clearly state that this is not about any individual. All that we from the APC are asking for is a sane institution irrespective of who emerges as a leader.
“All we are saying is that the right thing based on constitutional provisions should be done – with a proclamation issued, specifying the date, time and venue should be announced.
“Once that is done, the election should be conducted and whoever emerges as a leader, fine and good.”
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