The Collaborative Council of Nigerians in the Diaspora (CCND), has strongly condemned the actions of the 27 decamping members of the River State House of Assembly.
Recall that as a result of the growing political crisis in the State, 27 members of the State Assembly decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
CCND, while responding to the development in a statement by its Secretary Tunji Goyea, said Carpet Crossing is not new to Nigerian politics, however, in this instance those involved are sitting State Assembly members who have been in the State Congress for less than one year.
He emphasized that “Although the consequences of this mass decamping are yet to be determined, we are certain that situations like this don’t yield positive results”.
Goyea further stated that the actions of these Assembly members have created a crisis of confidence which, if not nipped in the bud, can lead to a security breakdown in the state, adding that the warning signs are all there for the wise to see.
Furthermore, he said, “We of the CCND, therefore, call on these lawmakers to respect the will of the people by returning to the party under which they were voted into the State Assembly, and thus give peace a chance.
“This would not amount to a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength, respect for the people, good governance, and moral integrity. It is simply the right thing to do”, he noted.
While emphasizing that the current behavior should not be allowed in the polity, and must be discouraged, he added that it takes away the will of the people to choose their representatives.
“While there may be precedent for this type of decamping behavior, and with judiciary acquiescence, the CCND strongly condemns the action of the 27 decamping members of the River State House of Assembly.
“We call on all those that desire a progressive Nigeria to support the actions of the duly elected Governor Fubara and the people of River State. They and the rest of Nigeria definitely deserves better politics”, CCND concluded.
