Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has described the action of the security agents, who did not only deny some members of the House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, access to the House but also tear-gassed them, as shameful and unfortunate.
Okorocha, who spoke on behalf of the Forum yesterday, described the incident as a disgrace to the nation’s growing democracy, and the worst known incident in the history of the country’s National Assembly.
“What happened at the National Assembly on Thursday was condemnable by all lovers of democracy. It was not a good thing to the image of the nation. It was a slap on the face of our democracy. The National Assembly of every nation is seen as a very powerful propeller in her democracy. And ours won’t be an exception. So, our democracy was disgraced. Our National Assembly members were disgraced and invariably Nigerians who they represent were also disgraced by the singular action of the police.
“It is important to add that using the police to intimidate the members of the National Assembly was unacceptable. Again, using tear gas on the National Assembly members was equally despicable. It was an insult to all Nigerians of goodwill, and all lovers of democratic ideals in the country”, he said.
According to the Forum, “the police who are Nigerians should help the country’s democracy to grow, as it is in the interest of Nigerians to have a united and democratic nation, including the police”
His words: “It will also be an honourable act for the police, as a highly responsible institution to apologise to Nigerians and members of the National Assembly for what happened last Thursday. That would not be seen as a mark of weakness, but would only portray the force as a strong institution with personnel who appreciate democratic ideals and ethos”.
“It is hoped that such ugly scenario will not happen again in the best interest of the nation and her citizenry”, Governor Okorocha added.