Anambra Assembly Declare Hunger Strike Over Ngige's Security Details
FROM CHUKS COLLINS, AWKA
BARELY two months to the first anniversary of the withdrawal of the security details of Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige, members of the state House of Assembly have embarked on a seven-day hunger strike to press home demands for their restoration.
Moving a motion on the hunger strike, the Majority Leader, Chief Humphrey Nsofor said it would be "supported by prayers and fast" by every patriotic indigene.
The house unanimously passed the motion and the Deputy Speaker, Chief Ozo Ughamadu who presided over the proceedings, emphasised that the move was to invoke divine intervention so that the Almighty God would touch the hearts of all relevant authorities to restore the governor's security details.
"We have waited patiently for 10 months for reason to prevail but to no avail, despite the express provisions on the matter in the nation's constitution."
Nsofor also told The Guardian that every patriotic Nigerian should impress on President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Inspector General of Police to toe the part of honour, peace and unity and restore the security details to the Anambra State governor.
He pointed out that the restoration of Ngige's security aides would enable him organise a hitch-free council polls on December 18, this year.
According to him, "it might be a little bit difficult" to hold elections without police protection for the governor and other persons, institutions and facilities of the state. Unless this was done, anything untoward that happens during the polls shall be blamed on President and the IG."
Seconding the motion, the member representing Onitsha South II (PDP) Mr. Dona Oraekwe called on the Almighty to touch the hearts of the President and "other Aso Rock influences" so that they show human feelings towards the people of the state.
Meanwhile, members of Ngige's cabinet have been thrown into frenzy as they dash around trying to put their houses in order, preparatory to handing over in anticipation of a cabinet dissolution.
This could be the first major reshuffle in the life of the administration. A letter from the Principal Secretary to the governor, Mr. Emma C.J. Nwosu, last Thursday directed all political office holders to handover by next Monday.
