Following the break down of law and order at the National Assembly on Thursday, the National Democratic Front has alleged that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, plans to factionalize the National Assembly with his actions.
The NDF in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Comrade Philip Agbese, said Nigerians should hold Tambuwal and the All Progressives Congress responsible if democracy fails in the country.
Agbese condemned in totality the plan by the speaker and the APC to set up a parallel National Assembly, querying the sudden re-opening of the House of Representatives after Tambuwal had adjourned it till December 3.
He said this is unacceptable.
Comrade Agbese warned the speaker to be careful so that he does not become a tool in the hands of anarchists and enemies of the democracy he used to once defend.
The civil rights activist also informed Tambuwal and his co-travellers that Nigerians are watching closely and will hold them responsible for their actions and inactions.
The group thus urged him not to drag the image and reputation of the House of Representatives into the mud, advising the speaker to “vacate his seat to further prevent more break down of law and order if he is actually the patriot he claims”.
He described Nigerian politicians as men lacking in what they say and not what they can offer.
According to him, the unnecessary legal tussle following the outcome of the speaker’s defection is highly uncalled for except for some individuals who believe they can continue to deceive the people using the instrumentality of their office as a weapon.
Agbese added that what transpired between the Police and some members of the National Assembly was orchestrated by Tambuwal who he alleged is acting the script of the APC to form a parallel government at every level.
He described this as regrettable, uncivilised and animalistic in all ramifications and could have been aborted if Tambuwal was still in the right frame of mind.
He added: “It is high time our leaders are reminded that just like in other climes politicians must learn to conduct themselves with some level of morality, and it is on this note that we call on Rt. Hon Aminu Tambuwal to stop making mockery of our democracy by honourably tendering his resignation letter as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the following days.
“We consider it unjust and immoral for anyone to set standards that he cannot maintain and wonder why those gentlemen that have continue to call on the President to quit on flimsy excuses cannot honourably tender in their resignations when their actions are on the other side of the law.
“We therefore unequivocally call on Aminu Tambuwal to stop this level of gansterism as his preelsent position does not permit such acts that are inimical to the growth and development of the country.”
The social critic also added that the House should remain closed until full constitutional order is restored to the National Assembly to ensure that the complex is not taken over by miscreants who believe in barbarism.
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