From Abuja
Former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, has described as illegal, double standard and unconstitutional, the House of Representatives’ directive to the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to issue a new proclamation within one week for the proper inauguration of the House.
Clark who said the decision was overheating the polity, has therefore urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to retract his order for the sake of peace.
The House had also directed the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the Department of State Service, DSS, to shut down the Assembly and provide adequate security to allay further fears of intimidation and threat as alleged by some members-elect.
But Clark drew attention to the fact that the House of Representatives alone cannot take action on such a matter as the constitution provides for joint National Assembly action.
Besides, he also urged the National Assembly to wait for the court to interpret the cases cited in reaching their decisions.
The elder statesman said as a stakeholder who has served the nation in various capacity for over 60 years including as a senator, he is qualified to comment on any national issues affecting the welfare and peaceful co-existence of a united Nigeria.
Clark added, “those of us who have retired must speak out. The House of Representatives must retract their decision because it’s not backed by the constitution.”