By Francis Onoiribholo /Benin
Following the crisis that greeted the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue/Conference in Benin City, Edo State capital on Monday, the state chapter of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) on Tuesday called for disbandment of the Presidential Advisory Committee.
While describing the committee's Benin episode as security threat to the nation's nascent democracy in a statement signed by the state chairman, Samson Isibor, CRPP said "the nasty experience of Edo people in particular and South South in general was not only embarrassing, but also suggests what to expect at the proposed confab".
It said: "The purpose of the PACND, as we were made to understand, is to collate the views of individuals, ethnic nationalist, interest groups and other stakeholders ahead of the so-called National Confab/Conference, but the CRPP was taken aback with characters that form the committee of a fundamental issues that affect the development and the corporate existence of our dear country.
"We were most disturbed by the action displayed by the members, particularly Col. Tony Nyam (rtd), at the South South pre-hearing conference, during which he shouted down Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, when the latter was making his presentation, just like every other Nigerians.
"Suffice it to state that everybody or group of people are entitled to their own opinion, to air their views and it is not possible for everybody to fall into the same line.
"There must be divergent views – which are the hallmark of democracy, which is in line with the popular adage, "the minority will have their say, while the majority have their way.
"This singular act by the supposedly Presidential Advisory Committee member is the height of executive rascality and impunity that has now become the order of the day in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led Federal Government".
CRPP also called on security agents to investigate activities of some miscreants masquerading as civil societies, whose trademark is to always confront the Edo State governor in order to get public attention, so as to put a stop to their misguided activities.
