By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A group, Ofurumapepe Movement, Edo State chapter also known as the Henry Seriake Dickson (HSD) Movement, has criticized the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly and lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what it described as the refusal to recognize the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the state’s major opposition party.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Edo State Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi.
He argued that democracy thrives on the existence of both the majority and the minority, insisting that no political majority can exist without a recognized opposition.
Comrade Ogbidi maintained that the NDC currently occupies the position of the major opposition party in Edo State, having the second-highest number of lawmakers in the Assembly.
Ogbidi urged members of the Assembly to put aside political interests and uphold their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that legislators must protect the rights of all elected members regardless of party affiliation.
According to the Coordinator of the Movement, denying recognition to lawmakers who have joined the NDC amounts to an infringement on their constitutional rights, including freedom of association and political choice.
The Coordinator specifically faulted the Assembly’s decision to reportedly step down a notification by the lawmaker representing Egor Constituency, Hon. Natasha Idibia, informing the House of her defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the NDC.
He rejected claims that the NDC’s status was in doubt because of reports of possible deregistration, describing such arguments as “frivolous.”
He noted that no court of competent jurisdiction or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had officially communicated any deregistration of the party to the Edo State House of Assembly.
According to him, while there may be ongoing legal proceedings concerning the party, any judgment referenced by critics has been appealed, and the NDC remains a legally recognized and active political party.
He therefore called on the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, to revisit the matter and formally acknowledge lawmakers who have declared for the NDC, including Hon. Idibia.
He argued that recognizing the lawmakers’ new political affiliation would be consistent with democratic principles and respect for constitutional rights.
He further accused some lawmakers of focusing on partisan politics instead of addressing issues affecting Edo people.
He cited allegations surrounding the reported N17 billion contract for the renovation of Oba Market, saying the Assembly should devote greater attention to matters with significant implications for the state’s economy rather than disputing a lawmaker’s political affiliation.
Reaffirming his position, he urged the Assembly to respect Hon. Natasha Idibia’s decision to join the NDC and accord her full recognition as a member of the party, while also recognizing the NDC as the major opposition party in Edo State.
