PDP Uncovers Plot By Pro Amaechi’s Lawmakers To Pass 2014 Budget In Government House

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rivers State chapter says it is aware of Governor Amaechi's invitation to his loyal members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to hold a secret, unconstitutional and provocative session at the Government House, Port Harcourt during which the 2014 Budget will be presented and approved by members of the House.

The Party rejects such session, describing it as illegal, ill-conceived and an injury on the Country's democracy.

The PDP in a statement signed by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser to the State Chairman says hosting such meeting in Government House without recourse to the relevant provisions of the law undermines the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is a despise on the rights and capacity of the people of the State.

The Party also wonders why both the Governor and the pro-Amaechi lawmakers will choose to act in a manner that does not show civility but with clear intention to subvert and misappropriate the resources of the State, saying if the Governor and his loyalists are sincere in their actions, the necessary procedure in the presentation and approval of State Budget be applied, including holding legitimate session in the Assembly Complex.

The Party believes that the Governor also intends to create the impression that members of the Assembly are not able to carry out their legitimate functions as a result of insecurity, thereby justifying the National Assembly taking over the functions of the State Assembly.

The PDP also notes with worry the continued recklessness and absence of separation of powers which would have ensured checks and balances in governance in the State, saying Governor Amaechi must be called to order before things get out of hand in the State.

Jerry Needam
SA, On Media to
State PDP Chairman
Rivers State
Friday, December 13, 2013