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MAKURDI – Elders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, have advised members of the Benue State House of Assembly (BNHA) to reinstate the 13 lawmakers that were recently suspended over the position they took, leading to the disagreement that ensued over the alleged removal of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese.
The Elders under the aegis of the PDP Elders’ Forum in Benue state, advised that decisions concerning judicial officers should be made with integrity, just as it warned against mixing politics with issues of the judiciary.
The Elders made this known at a press conference in Makurdi on Thursday, while reading a text signed by Dr. Laha Dzever, Chairman G14, PDP, elder’s forum and Chief Elisha Amali, Chairman G9, PDP elder’s forum in Benue state,
Speaking through Dr Dzever, the elders also condemned the Benue APC elders forum, over their remarks criticizing Senator Abba Moro, for the position he took over the activities of the state assembly on the alleged plot to remove the Chief Judge.
He said, “We appreciate you for joining us today as we address the recent statements made by the Benue APC Elders Forum regarding recent political developments in our state
“We are particularly concerned about their remarks pertaining to the position of the Minority Leader of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Abba Moro, the suspension of some members of the BNHA and the alleged removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpembese and other issues.
“We find it disturbing that these esteemed elders chose to criticize the unassailable position of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, whose statements are firmly rooted in the rule of law and established democratic principles.
“Democracy thrives on the rule of law not on the whims and caprices of any arm of government. Senator Moro has been a voice of reason in the red chambers, whose stand on national issues, motions and bills has led to major people – oriented legislations in the 9th and now the 10th National Assembly.
“We consider the attempt by the APC elders to denigrate Senator Moro, as another needless wild goose chase that must be roundly condemned.
“All responsible Benue citizens must agree that the position of Senator Abba Moro, backed by the inter-party members of the Benue caucus of the national assembly is firmly rooted in the rule of law and justice”, he insisted.
On the suspension of 13 members of the BNHA, Dzever said, “We are concerned that actions of the Benue State House of Assembly are worrisome. This amounts to legislative recklessness.
“We advise a return to status quo. The suspended members of the Benue State House of Assembly, members many of whom are PDP members are representatives of their various constituencies and must be allowed to diligently discharge their duties as the voices and aspirations of the hundreds of thousands of the people they represent.
“Their suspension remains an anomaly and an aberration within the ambit of democratic conventions.”
Also throwing their weight behind Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the elders observed that “The judiciary as a separate arm of government and a corner stone of democracy must not be diluted with politics. Any attempt to do so threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
“We advise the Benue State House of Assembly to act judiciously and responsibly, always ensuring that decisions concerning judicial officers are made with integrity and fairness but above all to be rooted in the rule of law and due process.
“While the APC Elders profess unflinching confidence in the current APC administration in the state, we must emphasize that such confidence must be earned through adherence to the rule of law and genuine engagements with Benue people.
“We acknowledge the significance of good governance and we urge the APC to understand that blind allegiance does not amount to tangible improvements in the lives of our people. Elders, by virtue of their wisdom and experience should serve as guardians of truth in our society.
“Our major challenge in Benue state now is insecurity. The APC government in the state and at the Federal level should therefore concentrate largely on securing the state immediately and purge the state of herders who are responsible for over ninety percent of insecurity in the state now.
“We equally emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in governance. The recent action taken by the APC led government in the state raise serious concerns about its sincerity and integrity. The PDP Elders in the state urges the APC administration in Benue to adopt open governance practice that would allow people to hold government accountable,” he advised.
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