Aggrieved House of Representatives members-elect in Anambra State on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the dispute surrounding the legitimacy of those currently serving as federal lawmakers from Anambra State.
The lawmakers stated this in an open letter dated, March 29, 2016 addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The letter was signed by Hon. Emmanuel Nweke; Hon. Benedict Obaze; Hon. Anthony Offiah; Hon. Charles Odedo; Hon. Princess Ifeyinwa Anazonw; Hon. (Mrs.) Uchenna Obi; Hon. Dr. Ejike Nweneand; Hon. Julius Oforma.
The members-elect accused the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu of being partisan in the matter.
They also accused the INEC chairman of dilly dallying over issuing them with certificates of return.
Part of the letter read: “Your Excellency on Thursday the 24thof March, 2016 at the All Progressives Congress (APC) NEC meeting vicariously apologized to the nation for the failure of INEC to conclusively handle the elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers States.
“There is no gainsaying that INEC is a veritable institution for the attainment of the lofty democratic ideals. The INEC Chairman not only failed in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states but also woefully and curiously failed in Anambra State where the issue is not even that of the rigorous conduct of elections but the simple implementation.’’ of a court judgment.
“The bitter pill of apologies was forced down the throat of Mr. President by no other than the INEC under the leadership of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu. We know that Mr. President means well for Nigeria and Nigerians hence the undeterred fight against corruption and the resolve to enthrone a convivial atmosphere for democracy.”