Exclusive: Opposition's Impact On APC Concessions In Rivers State Crisis

Unyielding Opposition: Labour Party's Role in Shaping APC's Moves

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Sun, Afam Victor Ogene, the representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency and leader of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives, revealed the significant role opposition parties played in influencing the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the Rivers State political crisis. According to Ogene, opposition lawmakers successfully pressured their colleagues to amend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move highlights the power of diverse voices in shaping legislative decisions and ensuring that no single party holds absolute control.

Ogene explained that while the opposition parties may not always get everything they want, their role is crucial in a democracy. In the House of Representatives, after all the debates, lobbying, and disagreements, it ultimately comes down to one thing: each individual has one vote. This democratic process ensures that even the minority caucus plays a critical role, often achieving modest gains through amendments that might otherwise have been overlooked or ignored.

Democracy in Action: The Voice of the Minority

Ogene emphasized that the minority caucus continues to be a vital voice in parliament, achieving significant progress through strategic amendments. These amendments serve as checks and balances, ensuring that the APC majority doesn't push through its agenda without scrutiny. Ogene pointed out that although the opposition may not have the power to completely block the majority's decisions, they can still influence the outcome by ensuring that certain key issues are addressed and modified.

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He stated, "Closely related to the role of the opposition is the issue of the presidential proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, for which the opposition has been unfairly criticized. For any unbiased observer who watched the proceedings last Thursday, it was clear that the Labour Party's Hon. Obinna Aguocha from Abia State raised a constitutional point of order right at the start. He insisted that the quorum for the day’s sitting needed to be established, as required by Section 305(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended."

A Battle of Procedure: The Importance of Constitutional Checks

Despite Hon. Obinna Aguocha's best efforts, along with the support of Hon. Fred Agbedi from the PDP in Bayelsa State, the presiding officer chose to move forward, noting their observations but not acting on them. In response, the opposition had to rely on pre-agreed amendments to ensure that President Tinubu and the APC majority didn't achieve everything they sought in the proclamation. Ogene highlighted that these amendments included:

• Periodic reviews of the emergency rule within the initial six-month duration, with the possibility of early termination if peace is sufficiently restored.
• The constitution of a National Mediation Committee comprising eminent Nigerians, including representatives from the Federal Executive and the National Assembly, to facilitate dialogue, peace, and resolution during the emergency period.
• Adoption of the provisions of Section 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution, empowering the National Assembly to take over the legislative functions of the State House of Assembly when necessary to restore order and governance.

Ogene explained, "These amendments were not just minor tweaks but significant changes that ensured the President’s proclamation wasn’t rubber-stamped. Instead, they introduced accountability and safeguards that protect the rights of Rivers State residents and ensure that the emergency measures are implemented fairly and effectively."

Lessons Learned: The Impact of Walk-Outs

Ogene also addressed the controversy surrounding walk-outs during parliamentary sessions, stating that such actions do not benefit the opposition or the democratic process. He noted that if the opposition caucus were absent during the sitting, as was the case with about five pro-Governor Fubara members from Rivers State, the modest gains achieved through the various amendments would not have been possible. "In any deliberative assembly, walking out does no one any good," Ogene emphasized.

In conclusion, Ogene's insights underscore the importance of a robust opposition in a democracy. By standing firm on constitutional principles and advocating for amendments that protect the rights of all citizens, opposition parties can ensure that legislative decisions are balanced and fair. As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the role of the opposition will remain indispensable in shaping the nation's future.