The coalition alleged that part of the plot was to illegally detain the NASS leadership so that one third of members can sit and effect a leadership change.
Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Less than a week to the resumption of the National Assembly from its annual recess, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has alleged that there are plots by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to illegally reconvene the parliament.
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The National Assembly, which commenced its annual recess on July 24, is scheduled to reconvene by next Tuesday.
There were, however, reports that the September 22 resumption may be shifted due to series of political parties’ primaries scheduled for next week, across the country.
But, CUPP’s spokesman, Ikenga Ugochiynere, claimed in a statement, yesterday, that there is a plot to obtain an ex-parte order from a court, directing that one third of the membership of either chambers can demand for the re-opening of the National Assembly.
The coalition alleged that part of the plot was to illegally detain the NASS leadership so that one third of the members can sit and effect a leadership change.
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“CUPP have been informed that the plot also includes the Police inviting the leadership of the National Assembly just before the controversial ruling and their subsequent detention with a black market injunction from a magistrate Court thereby paving way for the unlawful and violent change of the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.
“It is worrisome that the party entrusted by Nigerians to provide leadership, growth and development for the country could in one plot compromise the judiciary, the legislature, the Police, the Department of State Services, the media and indeed all institutions of our democracy.
“In the coming days, Nigerians and indeed all lovers of democracy world over are hereby placed on alert to watch out for the unfolding of this plot and call on the Presidency and the APC not to destroy our democracy before they leave office in eight months as Nigerians have rejected them and cannot wait to send them packing in the next general elections,” it stated.
In its reaction, APC acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, described CUPP’s allegation asa ploy to delay resumption of the National Assembly.
“Such crude practices are rejected templates of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which the so-called “Coalition” represents and definitely alien to the progressive APC-led administration.
“Again, we consider these new rounds of falsehood by the sponsored “Coalition” as a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing and minority National Assembly leadership of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; to prevent the reconvening of the National Assembly and continue a minority-rule in an APC-dominated federal Legislature.
“We are in a democracy and are governed by laws. A few cannot hold the legislative arm of government to ransom through their selfish political games. The National Assembly must be reconvened immediately to attend to crucial and pending legislative business. The majority must be allowed to lead,” Nabena said.
Also, an APC member of the House, Ehiozuwa Agbonnayinma, said lawmakers cannot shy from their constitutional duty of representing their constituencies.