All is not well between Senator Dino Melaye and his Kogi West Senatorial District, which he is representing in the Red Chamber. It is no longer news that his people have approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking his recall.
The people are said to have carted a truckload of signatures contained in six bags to INEC for his recall. The bags reportedly contain signatures of 52.3 per cent of the electorate from the senatorial district and other petitions. They were submitted to the INEC headquarters in Abuja
Kogi West has seven local governments and the signatures and petitions from each local government areas were packaged in each of the bags, which were tagged according to the names of the local governments.
Faced with possible recall, Melaye has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an injunction to halt it. Barrister Mike Ozekhome is representing him at the court.
INEC has already indicated that it would soon commence verification of the signatures for the recall. It has also written to the lawmaker, notifying him of the commencement of the exercise.
If Melaye’s recall proves successful, he may pass into history as the first lawmaker to suffer such fate. What are the implications of the recall process and what will it add to the nation’s democracy?
Good Omen For Nigeria’s Democracy – Lawyer
Olu Omotayo, an Enugu-based lawyer and President, Citizens Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), described the move by Kogi constituents to recall Melaye as a good omen to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, if Kogi people successfully recall Melaye, it will serve as a lesson for other lawmakers who think they are in the National Assembly only to make money.
He said such an action would definitely promote accountability in government, stressing, “If it succeeds, it will promote democracy and accountability. Before now, people think they are there in Abuja to make money. It will serve as lesson to others. The lawmakers will know they are accountable to the people.”
The Recall Will Impact On democracy -Ex-NBA Chief
Anthony Okorodas, former chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, said the cumbersome nature of recall process could make the exercise almost impossible.
Okorodas, who had in the past led a move to recall a state legislator, stated that it would be a surprise if Senator Melaye’s recall succeeds. He added that if it sails through, it would have a significant impact on the country’s democracy.
Okorodas, a law lecturer with the Niger Delta University, stressed that Melaye’s recall would send a strong signal to lawmakers to represent their constituents responsibly. According to him, “the process has been part of our constitution since the beginning of the current democratic dispensation.
‘It Seems Vindictive, Political’
Comrade Emeka Umeagbalsi, Board Chairman, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, said: “Senator Dino Malaye’s recall, though it is part of democratic process, appears to be vindictively pursued and highly politicised.
“The independence and integrity of the present INEC are doubtful. INEC appears to be dominated by supporters and apologists of the APC.
“Our fear is that once it is successfully carried out and the Senator gets recalled, the hell will let loose and other federal legislators, particularly those tagged ‘state enemies’ or critics will face a barrage of constituency recalls.
“We are deeply worried because we are under a central government that runs riot with utter alacrity on those who have misunderstandings with the government. The government does not believe in rule of law and due process. So, we are very worried and pray that it does not become a negative norm here.
‘It Is Democracy In Action’
Bulus Ishaku, a public affairs commentator, said that the recall is democracy in action. He added: “He must have over-stepped his bounds and the people that voted for him are now saying they do not want him again. So, how should that be of any problems for Nigeria? I don’t expect Nigerians to lose sleep over it. We need to focus on more serious national issues than the one that concerns an individual. Recalling Melaye or not will not add or remove anything from Nigerians.”
Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, an activist and former Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, and Executive Director, Registered Voters Association of Nigeria (REVAN), said: “In the political history of Nigeria, there have been very few recall efforts. No member of the parliament at the local or federal level has ever been recalled.
“This is a result of obtuse political inertia by the civil society and the docility of the electorate. The Nigerian political elite deliberately made the appropriate constitutional provision on recall inoperable by throwing very giant blocks on the process, making it almost impossible to accomplish. Indeed, it is much easier for a camel to pass through the proverbial eye of the needle than to recall a lawmaker in Nigeria.
“The attempt by the Kogi West electorate to recall him for perceived wrongdoings is promising. Unfortunately, the premise is very weak and shaky; not on unsatisfactory representation, but on political witch-hunt, unconscionable political tussle and friendship gone sour and awry between Senator Dino Melaye and Governor Yahaya Bello
“I have asked myself the implication of Dino’s recall on the people of his Senatorial District who have endured decades of hunger in the midst of plenty, who cannot afford even a meal a day, whose children roam the streets, while the rich live in opulence. I see no clear advantages to the people.
“But, the method deployed by the Kogi State governor in orchestrating his recall is dripping with vendetta and political muscle-flexing. It is therefore very unlikely to succeed.
“If it succeeds, it would signal the emergence of true representative democracy that is accountable. One should expect a floodgate of recall of many errant legislators, especially those who turn their backs on their constituents after they are elected into office.”
It Will Enhance Democracy – Don
Professor Ayo Adesopo of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) said the successful recall of Melaye will enhance the nation’s democracy and serve as precedence for Nigerians who had wanted to embark on the same political journey, but are discouraged because the process is cumbersome and tasking.
He stressed: “Though, the process is herculean, Nigerians must be ready to toy it as enunciated by the electoral law and the constitution.” He maintained that if Melaye’s recall scales through, it will serve as eye opener to Nigerians that it is achievable and will help the nation’s democracy to grow and sustained.
Chief Davidson Ikewuonu Nnawuche, a chieftain of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) and now a United Progressive Party (UPP) chief stated that if Melaye is eventually recalled, it will be a lesson to the elected representatives.
“Our democracy has no cases where a legislator, either at the state or national level has been recalled. They believe that once they receive the people’s mandate, no Jupiter will truncate their tenure. This encourages and promotes recklessness, indifference and non-chalance among them.”
Kennis Onuamaekwu Osuigwe, APC chief in Imo State, stated: “Melaye’s case calls for caution. Due process should be applied. If he loses out, his colleagues will become jittery and readjust, so as not to fall victims.
“His recall will make other members of the National Assembly to jettison their toga of arrogance and those who have skeletons in the cupboards will begin to make amends. We will be better for it democratically.”
Okechukwu Iwuagwu, chieftain of defunct People Redemption Party (PRP) and member, Young Progressive Party (YPP), added: “The recall process is cumbersome and awkward. If Melaye fails to survive it, we would have made history in our journey to achieving credible democracy.”
source:
independent.ng
source:
independent.ng
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