The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has slammed Governor Alex Otti over what it described as his ill-advised move to reduce the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen in the state from four years to two years through the State House of Assembly.
The move, according to the party, is unconstitutional, undemocratic and a direct affront to the rule of law.
It therefore urged the Governor to reconsider it, focus on pressing issues that affect the daily lives of Abia people, and uphold the principles of fairness and justice that democracy demands.
The PDP also urged the public and civil society organizations to resist any action that undermines the rule of law.
In a statement by its state chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, the party said it rejects any attempt to alter the tenure of duly elected council Chairs and tasked the State House of Assembly to also reject the proposal and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
It warned that the move is an abuse of power that seeks to erode the sanctity of democratic institutions and disenfranchise the people who voted the officials into office under a clear four-year mandate.
The party said, “Your Excellency, How would you feel if the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria initiated steps through the National Assembly to reduce the tenure of Governors from four years to two years? Would you not consider it an unjust and destabilizing move? Would you not resist such a proposal as an attack on democracy?
“Democracy thrives on predictability and respect for established rules. The Local Government elections were conducted based on a four-year tenure, and those elected were sworn in accordingly.
“The attempt to retroactively alter their tenure is not only a gross miscarriage of justice but also tantamount to rigging the system in favor of a predetermined outcome.
“No responsible democratic government should seek to change the rules in the middle of the game, as such actions make a mockery of governance and the electoral process.
“Your administration should be mindful that governance is a trust, one that requires fairness, transparency, and respect for constitutional order.
“By attempting to alter the legally established tenure of elected officials, you undermine not only the local government system but also the credibility of governance at all levels.
“Should your administration succeed in this unjust and illegal bid, it would set a dangerous precedent where elected officials at any level of government could be arbitrarily stripped of their tenures by those in power.
“This would expose the entire democratic process to political manipulations that threaten the stability of governance in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
“If your government proceeds with this plan, it would also open the door for future leaders to alter gubernatorial tenure in Abia State, just as you are attempting to do at the local government level.
“This could mean a future administration might arbitrarily truncate your tenure before it is due to end, using the same legislative maneuvering you now seek to deploy against local government chairmen.”
Additionally, the party stated that governance should not be conducted in a manner that breeds chaos, resentment and instability.
“Rather than pushing for an unconstitutional action, we implore you to focus on issues that genuinely impact the lives of the people of Abia State.
“Instead of engaging in this desperate attempt to manipulate the democratic process, we strongly advise that you redirect your energy and the resources of your administration to addressing the more pressing concerns of Abians, particularly in the areas of unpaid pensions and financial transparency,” it noted.
The PDP also reminded the Governor about some of his campaign promises, which they alleged have yet to be fulfilled, including the lingering crisis of unpaid pensions and outstanding salary arrears.
“Your Excellency, leadership is measured by one’s ability to govern fairly, transparently, and accountably, not by seeking to undermine democratic institutions for political convenience.
“History will judge this administration by the decisions it takes today. Will you be remembered as a leader who upheld democracy or as one who manipulated the system for personal or political gain?”
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