Wednesday, 14 February 2018

House of Reps Clashes Over Rochas's Amnesty To Don Waney's Boys


A rowdy session began at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, forcing the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, to step down a controversial motion temporary, pending further advice by three key committees.

The motion had polarised the House along political party lines and pitting members from Rivers State and their colleagues from Imo State in particular, against one another.

The notion was on the alleged decision of the Imo State Governor, Mr. Rochas Okorocha, to grant amnesty to suspects who had been declared wanted by the River State Security Council.

The suspects were alleged to be part of the gang that killed 23 people during the New Year attack on residents returning from a night service in Omoku town, Rivers State.

The late Don Waney was said to have led the gang of attackers, according to the motion, which was moved by 12 lawmakers from Rivers State.

Mrs. Betty Apiafi, who moved the motion on behalf of her colleagues, informed the House that the suspects ran away to Imo only to be granted amnesty by Okorocha.

The motion alleged that the purpose of granting the amnesty was to use the suspects to prosecute mayhem during the 2019 elections.

The prayers of the motion urged the House to “Condemn the alleged grant of amnesty by the Imo State Governor to the wanted criminals.

“Urge the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies not to recognise the amnesty allegedly granted to wanted persons by Okorocha and ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of the wanted persons.”

But, the session suddenly turned rowdy after an All Progressives Congress member from Imo State, Mr. Nnana Igbokwe, rose in defence of Okorocha, saying that the House would not entertain the motion.
He got the backing of several APC members, including the Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Nkem-Abonta asked whether it was also possible for any governor to grant amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents.

Another member, Mr. Uche Nnam-Obi, asked whether any suspect who killed people in one state could run to another state to be set free.






Related Posts

0 comments: