Posted by By TESSY OKOYE on
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dele Kosoko has expressed hope in the imminent constitutional amendment, noting that apart from it putting to rest dust raised over immunity clause, it would be an opportunity to address other pressing national issues like creation of more states and local government areas.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dele Kosoko has expressed hope in the imminent constitutional amendment, noting that apart from it putting to rest dust raised over immunity clause, it would be an opportunity to address other pressing national issues like creation of more states and local government areas.
According to the erstwhile lawmaker, the issue of constitutional amendment would have been addressed, if not for the aborted third term agenda of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, and advised that caution be applied in reviewing the constitution this time.
'Constitutional amendment is not an issue that should be rushed, because a memorandum would be called at the end of the day to include people's input. The basic ingredient in constitutional amendment is not only immunity. There are so many things that need to be reviewed. One is fundamental human rights, freedom of expression, creation of more states and local government. The need to address tenure of local government officers is another important thing," he added.
Hon. Kosoko, who is also an Action Congress (AC) chieftain in Lagos State told Daily Sun that recent election tribunal rulings and President Yar'Adua's resolve to ensure the rule of law prevails, is a welcome development that would see to full entrenchment of democracy in the country.
In his words: 'What is important is to obey the law of the land and respect constituted authority, particularly the constitution. Recent election tribunal rulings that have seen to the ouster of many public officers were done in good fate, and for the advancement of democracy. It is part of the process that would entrench proper democracy. It is only those with hidden agenda, who have not been living up to expectation that the big hammer would bounce on.
'The tribunal is part of the judicial system. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Court interpretations are very clear. Anyone that feels aggrieved has the right to go to the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal to seek redress. I have no doubt in my mind that President Yar'Adua would do his best to take the nation to another level."
Describing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a capitalist party, filled with people desperate to cling to power by all means, he pronounced that by the time electoral reform is completed, PDP might not win in more than twelve states across the federation.
'PDP is nowhere in Lagos State. Look at what is happening to them at the election tribunals. In 15 years to come, the party would be no where. PDP is a party for power seekers. Many of its members can do anything to cling to power. I can tell you authoritatively that PDP is behind all the high profile murders in the country. It is not a party meant for the masses."
The leaders are not politicians. Real politicians relate and feel the pulse of the people at the grassroots. A party that is not ready to listen to the yearnings of the people is not fit to govern", he added.
On the allegation by Sen. Nuhu Aliyu that the National Assembly reeks with fraudulent lawmakers, the AC chieftain expressed confidence in the ability of the House members to move the country forward, adding that the allegation would amount to nothing unless culprits are named and strong evidence to support the claim tendered.
Speaking on INEC chairman, Prof Maurice Iwu's inability to conduct another credible election in the country, going by his dismal handling of the last general election, Hon. Kosoko said Prof. Iwu should bury his head in shame for the damage he has caused Nigeria.
'I was one of those that agitated for open ballot system in this country. Option A4 would have been the best. It is unfortunate that the Chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Maurice Iwu pronounced that he conducted the most credible election in the history of the country. He should bury his head in shame for conducting the most embarrassing election, and dragging Nigeria some steps back. I just heard that another 25 political parties would be registered. It uncalled for to do that when existing parties are not on ground and are not functioning. The whole polity is watching INEC and might not entertain another setback", he added.