Democracy And The Rule Of Law Have Suffered Extremely – Wike

Gov Nyesom Wike (File Photo)

Defection Is A Sign From The Lawmakers On 2019

Chief Nyesom Wike, the Rivers State Governor, stated that democracy, rule of law and separation of powers has suffered overtime and the defection since Tuesday was instructive.

While reacting to the mass defection in the National Assembly, Wike explained that it is an indication that the liberty of any person to choose the political parties they want to belong to remains supreme.

Wike, who released a statement through the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Emma Okah, on Wednesday, said the defection of some members of the All Progressives Congress in the National Assembly is a sign for political parties to be careful of how they treat their members.

“The institutions of democracy, rule of law, separation of powers, etc, have suffered enormously for some time now. The development yesterday, wherein people feel that time has come for them to move is very instructive.

“The people’s will must prevail and those who lead must lead with the understanding and appreciation of the fact that the people’s will is supreme. So, to all intent and purposes, the liberty of the persons to choose which party they want to belong without fear or favour was put to play.”

“For whatever it is worth, political parties will now be a lot more careful on how they treat their members.”

Wike said the defection by some members of the National Assembly from APC to PDP is a picture of how 2019 will be.

The governor spoke during the celebration of 40 years of legal practice of former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), by Okpo Club of Nigeria (Association of Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide) and the Inaugural Kolo Club Awards on Tuesday.

“Democracy is taking shape in Nigeria. I hope you are aware that the PDP has taken over the Senate. We are likely going to take over at the House of Representatives,” he said.