Labour Party Representative Discusses Opposition’s Role in Securing Concessions on Rivers Emergency Rule

Labour Party Representative Discusses Opposition’s Role in Securing Concessions on Rivers Emergency Rule

Afam Victor Ogene, the representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency and leader of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives, has revealed how opposition parties managed to push the All Progressives Congress (APC) to make significant concessions in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. In an interview with Sunday Sun, Ogene outlined how opposition lawmakers worked to amend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency proclamation for the region………..READ MORE

He explained that despite attempts to enforce the state of emergency as initially declared, the opposition played a pivotal role in influencing amendments to the proposal. The opposition sought to ensure that the declaration was not passed without checks and balances. Among the key amendments secured were provisions for periodic reviews of the emergency rule, the formation of a National Mediation Committee to facilitate peace talks, and the adoption of constitutional provisions that would allow the National Assembly to intervene in the state’s legislative functions if necessary.

Ogene further emphasized that the opposition’s role was not merely symbolic, highlighting that without their involvement, the APC’s preferred version of the state of emergency would have likely passed unchecked. He argued that the presence of the minority caucus in the House was essential for ensuring that these critical changes were made to the proclamation.

He also defended the actions of the opposition, stressing that they were not acting as rubber stamps, as some had suggested, but were actively engaged in shaping the legislative outcome to ensure a more balanced approach.