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Elders divided over moves to extend Alli�s tenure
Yusuf Alli, Abuja
A major crack has appeared in the ranks of the Plateau State elders as a result of an alleged bid by some members to seek an extension of the emergency rule in the state.
The division is coming less than a week after the elders visited the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja to complain about the administrative style of the Sole Administrator, Maj.Gen Chris Alli.
But the Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, quickly reminded the elders that Alli was answerable to the National Assembly and not the party�s hierarchy.
Our correspondent learnt that a new group emerged among the elders on Thursday asking for an extension of the state of emergency declared by President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 18.
Findings by our correspondent revealed that the pro-extension group argued that six months would not be enough to restore lasting peace in the state.
Those allegedly in favour of the extension of the State of Emergency are: Gen. Jeremiah Useni; Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro; a former military Governor Jonah Jang; Gen. John Shagaya; former Governor Fidelis Tapgun; former Secretary to the State Government, Mr. S.S. Gofan; Alhaji Inuwa Ali, Ezekiel Yusuf; and Bagudu Hirse
Others are Barnabas Ejasi; Amos Gize; Saleh Bayeri (Leader of Meyati Allah- Leader of Fulani Community in Plateau); a former Presidential aspirant, Alhaji Saleh Hassan; Sylvanus Gang; and a former Minister of Sports, Mr. Damisi .T. Sango.
Also listed are the Alliance for Democracy leader in the state, Emmanuel Mangni, Bello Abdulahi; Dr.Manven Jefferson; Amos Gize; Mrs. Lea Tashi; Ruth Penzing; and Dongs Tyem.
It was further learnt last night that apart from the former military chiefs the arrowheads of the pro-extension group, were Tapgun and Sango.
But members of the anti-extension group, who have met Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and PDP National Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, in the last 48 hours, insisted that there should be no extension of Alli�s tenure.
Those opposed to extension of the state of emergency are: a former Governor of the State, Chief Solomon Lar; former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator John Wash Pam; Chairman of the PDP in the state Chief Maichibi Vwarji; Da D.B. Zang and a former Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Jonah Madugu.
Former Senator Silas Janfa, Senator Cosmos Niagwan, former Military Administrator of Delta State, Col. John Dung; former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. A.N. Gapsu; Chief J.N. Dim; Hannatu Chollom; Serah Dokotri; and the Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Television Authority, Alhaji Haruna Aneni, among others are also against the extension of Alli�s tenure.
It was also gathered that both the Chairman of PDP in Plateau, Maichibi and Elder D.B. Zang were coordinating anti-extension group.
Investigations further revealed that the animosity between the two camps heightened after the visit of pro-extension group to President Olusegun Obasanjo last Friday.
Some members of the pro-extension group denied the allegation last night that they asked for the extension of the emergency rule.
Tapgun who reacted to the allegation of preference for the extension of the emergency rule leveled against the group, said, "There is nothing like that. We went to the Presidency that day and we addressed a press conference on our visit.
�It is not true that we wanted extension of emergency rule, no, it is not true.
"All we told the President was that what Alli has done is commendable. The man (Sole Administrator) is doing well. We observed that peace has returned to Plateau. So, we went to meet the president and asked that they should support Alli in whatever way they can."
The Youth Leader of the PDP in the state, Mr. Yusuf Izam, confirmed the emergence of elders seeking the extension of Alli�s tenure.
Izam said, �Yes, it is very unfortunate that some of the elders are calling for the extension of the state of emergency. And it is unfortunate that some of these political parties are using the emergency situation in order to change the political will of the people of Plateau State, which of course is not possible.
�You know that the PDP has its root in Plateau State. The father of PDP is Chief Solomon Lar and we cannot sit and watch a few opposition leaders using the emergency situation to achieve what they could not get through the ballot process.��
The 24 members of the suspended Plateau State House of Assembly had on June 1 dragged the President to court over the matter.
Joined in the suit are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the National Assembly.
When the case came up two weeks ago, Obasanjo, through his counsel, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, questioned the court�s jurisdiction to handle the case and the venue for the hearing.
Quoting section 74 of the Evidence Act, the President�s counsel, argued that the law provided that a suit must be heard where the defendants reside and carry out their businesses.
While not contesting the issue of jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to handle the case, Fagbemi argued that the machinery of government would be grounded if the three defendants should travel to Jos to defend themselves.
In his earlier submission, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Okey Akobundu, argued that since all his clients reside in Jos and carry out their functions in Jos, the only place where the suit should be heard was also in Jos.
Citing several sections of the Federal High Court Act and the constitution, Akobundu argued that there was only one Federal High Court established by Section 249 of the 1990 Constitution and that by Rule 2 of FHC, 2000, such action could be initiated where the defendants resided or the action arose.
He pointed out that the President, whose jurisdiction is the entire country, imposed the state of emergency on Plateau State and as such he should be able to answer for his actions in any part of the country.
After hearing the arguments of both counsel, the presiding judge, Mr. Haladu Soba, fixed ruling for July 15.
The Punch, Monday July 05, 2004
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