Afenifere condemns APC’s plan to block all legislative proposals

The All Progressive Congress’ (APC) directive that its members in the National Assembly block the passage of the 2014 budget until the political tensions in Rivers State is resolved has drawn the ire of  pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, which claimed the directive “may encourage instability”.

The APC  had grown in stature and strength following series of defections from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to its fold,  making it the majority in the lower house. The party, on Thursday, directed its members in the National Assembly to block all legislative proposals in a communique issued at the end of its 8th Interim National Executive Committee Meeting.

The APC had grown in stature and strength following series of defections from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to it. The party holds the majority seat in the lower parliament

It cited some of the legislative proposals to be

blocked to include the 2014 Budget and the confirmation of all nominees to military and civilian positions, pending the resolution of the crisis in Rivers.

Speaking in Lagos on Friday, the spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said that the directive was tantamount to shutting down the country.

“The most dangerous of the APC’s recommendation is encouraging its members to engage in things that may lead to instability,” he said. “The APC fails to think of the implications of not passing the budget and its effect on Nigerian masses.

“Also, if approval for the service chiefs is not given by NASS because of political disagreements in a state, it may lead to mutiny.

“This recommendation is also coming at a time when Boko Haram is intensifying its activities in Nigeria.

“We condemn this directive in its totality because it is a threat to our democracy.”

On his part, the Lagos State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Ehi Omokhuale, described the directive as insensitive.

“Politicians should limit their selfish fights to themselves. The APC wants to use its political interest to affect the welfare of Nigerian citizens. We do not support it and we demand that the party retraces its steps on this issue immediately,” Omokhuale said.

Source:Information Nigeria