The House of
Representatives yesterday condemned recent restrictions on opposition
political rallies by some state governors, directing the Minister of
Interior, Emmanuel Iheanacho, and the Inspector General of Police,
Hafiz Ringim, to establish the authority acted upon by the state
executives.
Reports that the
governors of Niger, Ebonyi and Benue States prohibited the presidential
campaign rallies of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress
for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
in their state capitals have sparked outrage.
The state
executives: Babangida Aliyu, Martins Elechi, and Gabriel Suswam are
said to have restrained the rallies at Minna, Abakaliki and Makurdi,
citing threats on security which they said could not be assured.
However, the
National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar
Baraje. yesterday justified the bans saying, “If a governor of a state
as the chief security officer of the state says you are coming to my
state and I cannot guarantee your security, is that a crime?” “It is
PDP today it might be another party tomorrow,” he added.
Open condemnation
His comments came
as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC), Attahiru Jega, joined in condemning the decision of the ruling
party members. Mr Jega said on Tuesday at the ratification of the code
of conduct for political parties, that the reports gave “very serious
cause for concern.”
“When we hear that
certain governors are banning the opposition from holding rallies; when
we hear reports from some states where banners and billboards of the
opposition are pulled down; when the media is not giving the same
coverage to every party. That is a very very serious concern for INEC.
We will urge for restraint.
“Definitely as we
draw towards election, there is need that we bring forward new a level
of civility, harmonious working relationship and even opportunities for
everyone,” he said.
In a motion tabled
yesterday by Halims Agoda, Delta State PDP, the lawmakers criticised
the development, questioning the source of the authority which they
said runs against the constitutional provisions.
Mr Agoda said the
declarations breached the constitutional liberty granted all Nigerians
to freely move, associate and peacefully assemble.
Another member,
Sada Soli Jibia, from Katsina State, recalled a recent incident in
Katsina State where a serving senator during campaign intercepted the
campaign convoy of an opponent, leading to a clash.
The House ordered
police boss, Mr Ringim and Minister of Interior, Mr Iheanacho, to take
a position against the “intolerance” of some ruling state governors.
