NASS decision on restructuring a setback, says PDP chieftain

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Ekanem has described the decision of the National Assembly ignoring the amendment to the constitution which devolve power to the states as a set back to the country.

Ekanem who is a member of the state executive of the party added that it was obvious that the voting was based on regional lines, noting that the North do not support restructuring because they were afraid.

He berated the lawmakers for putting their personal interest above national interest, adding that the decision has painted the country black.

The South- South leader in the state urged the National Assembly members to urgently reconsider the bill on restructuring and save the country from collapse, adding that national interest should be the major consideration in any decision.

He said “It is a personal thing, the South wanted it, the North did not and that formed the way they voted. I have said it if we don’t restructure now the country may collapse.”

“The decision of the House is a setback to Nigeria and it is not in the best interest of Nigeria, infact it has painted us black in the international community,” Ekanem said.

Speaking further on the decision of his party on the council election tribunal, he said the PDP was still studying the Tribunal and had not decided yet if to file petition.

He stressed that the PDP had instituted legal action against the State Independent Electoral Commission and the state government for hurriedly passing three bills on the eve of the last council election.

“We have taken them to court for hurriedly passing two bills days before the election. Our party is still studying the situation and we have not decided yet if we would go to that tribunal.

“The election was a sham; Tinubu had already said that he would sweep the pool so the result was pre -determined,” Ekanem added.

Iniobong Iwok