Group Faults Rivers Assembly Over Rejection Of Commissioner Nominee

Vanguard for Transparent Leadership and Democracy (VATLAD) has stated that the reason given by Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, (RSHA), for its decision to reject the nomination of Mr Tamuno Williams as Commissioner of Rivers State is unconditional.

Comrade (Engr) Igbini Odafe Emmanuel.
National President, VATLAD, stated in a press release on Wednesday that the rejection of this nomination is a clear and deliberate violation of the above stated provisions of 1999 CFRN, as amended, and therefore is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

While saying the reason given for rejecting the nomination of Mr Tamuno Williams did not conform with the provision of Sections 192(4), 106 and 107 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, he said during the unfortunate prolonged political disagreement between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, Mr Tamuno Williams held and expressed his person views and opinions that did not support the position of the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Fubara.

“Mr Tamuno Williams acted within his constitutional freedom under section 39 in only holding and expressing his personal views on the issues of disagreement between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara which have nothing to do with the expected Decisions of Courts of Law presiding over the matter.

“In this case, his views did not tally with the final Judgements of the Supreme Court. That ends it! The Court has spoken and renders irrelevant, views or opinions held and expressed by individuals like Mr Tamuno Williams.

“Mr Tamuno Williams is constitutionally qualified to be so appointed as Commissioner in Government of Rivers State and should be confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Section 107 of the Nigerian Constitution further states 13 grounds for disqualification of a person for election to a House of Assembly which also implies for appointment as commissioner of the state.

“There is nowhere it is stated in section 107 of the Nigerian Constitution that Freedom of Expression which includes Freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information, is one of the grounds for disqualification for election to Rivers State House of Assembly or appointment to the Office of Commissioner of the Government.

“I state further that Section 192(3) of the Constitution does not override or nullify the provisions of sections 1(1) and 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended. For the record, section 39 of the Constitution states that: “Every person shall be entitled to Freedom of Expression, including Freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference,” Emmanuel stated.