Daily Independent Online.         * Thursday, January 8, 2004.

Masari backs judicial route, lawyers  seek political solution in Anambra

By Uchenna Awom,

National Assembly

Correspondent, Abuja

and David Atalese

Special Correspondent,

Ado-Ekiti

 

As the political logjam in Anambra State deepens, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Aminu Bello Masari, on Wednesday said he acknowledged that the status of Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State is to be determined by the courts.

He expressed sadness that the new twist in the crisis is threatening peace and security in the country.

Masari may be resigned to the judicial route, however, two legal lights in Ekiti State say the problem demands nothing but a political solution. In a press statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Austin Iyashere, the speaker regretted that several initiatives to resolve the dispute, particularly the recent one led by Senate President Adolphus Wabara,  did not yield result.

Masari promised that the House will work with all the stakeholders to ensure that lasting peace and stability return to the restive state.

“Many Nigerians are worried that the Anambra saga has lingered in a way that suggests that politicians are unable to find quick solutions to internal crisis and seem to put their personal desires above public and national security interests,” he added.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Albert Akanle, told Daily Independent in Ado-Ekiti that no normal process of law could solve a political problem.

On how to go about it, he said Ngige can resign as alleged or he can be impeached by the state Assembly. Another way to remove a governor, he added, is through an election tribunal since “you cannot sue a governor for any offence while in office.”

His views agree with those of another lawyer, Mr. Dele Omotoso, who said members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should meet to resolve the crisis  from within.

Commenting on the ruling of the Enugu High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Omotoso insisted that it is binding on the two parties until another court sets it aside. He said it is immaterial whether the judgment obtained by one of the parties is fraudulent but “it is more pathetic that the judgment was delivered during vacation.”

Omotoso explained that there is no evidence of service of hearing on Ngige and that the ruling against him lacks fundamental and normal procedural law.

He said if the appeal succeeds the other party could go to the Supreme Court but that Anambra State will not enjoy peace until the case is settled politically.

PDP members in Ado-Ekiti said they would not comment on the matter until they receive directive from the national office in Abuja.