The attention of the Collaborative Council of Nigerians in the Diaspora (CCND) has been drawn to the growing political crisis in the River State of Nigeria that has resulted from the decamping of 27 PDP members of the State Assembly.
Carpet Crossing is not new to Nigerian politics, however, in this instance, those involved are sitting State Assembly members who have been in the State Congress for less than one year. Although the consequences of this mass decamping are yet to be determined, we are certain that situations like this don’t yield positive results.
The actions of these Assembly members have created a crisis of confidence which, not nipped in the bud, can lead to a security breakdown in the state. The warning signs are all there for the wise to see.
We of the CCND, therefore, call on these law makers to respect the will of the people by returning to the party under which they were voted into the State Assembly, and thus give peace a chance.
This would not amount to a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength, respect for the people, good governance, and moral integrity. It is simply the right thing to do.
The current behavior should not be allowed in our polity, and it must be discouraged. It takes away the will of the people to choose their representatives. While there may be precedent for this type of decamping behavior, and with judiciary acquiescence, the CCND strongly condemns the action of the 27 decamping members of the River State House of Assembly.
We call on all those that desire a progressive Nigeria to support the actions of the duly elected Governor Fubara and the people of River State. They and the rest of Nigeria definitely deserve better politics.
Signed,
Tunji Goyea, Secretary CCND
Collaborative Council of Nigerians in the Diaspora (CCND)
