Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to prevent “anti-democratic groups” from hijacking the National Assembly.
In a letter on Wednesday, the Ijaw leader said there are “nefarious groups” bent on circumventing the process of lawmaking in the legislature.
He said these groups were present in the previous assembly, adding that they are “regrouping” to carry out their plans.
The elder statesman urged Akpabio to ensure that constitutional processes are upheld to safeguard democracy.
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“Senate President, the information floating around town is that this dangerous, anti-democratic group in the NASS is regrouping, and wants to control their various state judiciary and local governments,” he said.
“The constitution states how bills should be passed. But we have a situation where members of the senate do not even see some bills before they are passed into law.
“There is every need to follow laid down procedures, because these procedures were not put in place for the heck of it; they no doubt, provide for an effective and democratic government.
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“It has been observed, for some time now, that there is a group which is anti-democratic, which does not want distinguished members to follow due process, and it is also the reason why we have two different bills submitted on the same subject.
“This group, in the 8th national assembly intimidated, harassed and physically attacked the national assembly (NASS) for no just cause.”
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