Posted by EMMA OGU, Owerri on
IMO State commissioner for Public Utilities, Chief Noel Agwuocha Chukwukadibia, has said that the situation in Bayelsa State "does not merit the imposition of a state of emergency."
IMO State commissioner for Public Utilities, Chief Noel Agwuocha Chukwukadibia, has said that the situation in Bayelsa State "does not merit the imposition of a state of emergency."
Chukwukadibia, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly who admitted that it was a misconduct for Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha to have jumped bail, however, kicked against his extradition to London as being demanded by the British authorities.
Speaking to Daily Champion, weekend, on the unfolding political drama in Bayelsa, the commissioner noted that it would be very turbulent if a state of emergency is declared in the area by the Federal Government as being canvassed.
The situation in the state, according to him, can be resolved without imposing emergency rule, during the Federal Government not to try it for the second time even if the first one worked out well.
"I am not in support of what Alamieyeseigha did. It is a misconduct to jump bail but that does not warrant a state of emergency. I am also against his extradition because Britain has never respected the extradition treaty. They recognise it only when it is convenient for them," he said.
Chukwukadibia, a lawyer, recalled that when Alhaji Umaru Dikko fled to Britain, the country's authorities stood against his extradition as requested by Nigeria, adding that Britain also refused extradition of Gen. Yakubu Gowon when he was overthrown in a coup.
He stated that British authorities could go ahead with trial of Governor Alamieyeseigha over the jumping of bail issue after which they could communicate to Nigeria on the judgement pronounced because both countries have a reciprocal treaty on enforcement of judgement.
According to him, if Alamieyeseigha is impeached by the state House of Assembly he can be prosecuted here in Nigeria for having jumped bail but not in Britain.
"On no account should Nigeria grant the extradition request of Britain. The latter has only recognised extradition law when it affects them. Otherwise let us use the Alamieyeseigha's case to re-examine and review our extradition treaty," he said.