Senate rejects motion to release MASSOB leader

By John Alechenu and Oluwole Josiah, Abuja

Published: Thursday, 28 Jun 2007

A motion sponsored by Senator Uche Chukwumerije and 24 other Senators asking the Senate to request the release of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Mr. Ralph Uwazurike, was on Wednesday rejected.

The rejection was sequel to a point of order raised by Senator Iyiola Omisore that the Senate could not comment on any matter in which a judicial decision was pending; in such a way that might affect the final out come of the matter.

He argued that the case of Uwazurike should not be compared to those of Gani Adams of the Odu‘a Peoples Congress and Mujahideen Asari Dokubo of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force because the two were granted bail by the court. Omisore said the Senate should not be seen to be usurping the powers of the judiciary.

Senator Olorunmimbe Mamora, in his contribution drew the attention of the Senate to the fact that the matter of that nature had been discussed before.

Contributing, Senator Abubakar Sodangi also called for the release of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and General Ishaya Bamaiyi and other detainees. He however said, the judiciary should be supported to achieve its goals. He suggested that the Senate should urge the judiciary to expedite action in the matter.

In his motion, Chukwumerije noted that reconciliation was a universally cherished weapon of resolving social conflicts in a democratic society.

He also said the tool had yielded positive results in numerous conflicts in the past. He had asked that the Senate consider the fact that the leaders of the OPC and the NDPVF were both granted bail adding that a resolution by the senate to urge the President to extend the gesture to the MASSOB leader would be a step in the right direction.

The motion also prayed that the Senate commend the Federal Government for its reconciliatory stance which was healthy for easing tension in the polity.

It also prayed that the Senate applaud Yar‘Adua‘s administration‘s placatory handling of volatile youth groups, as was evident in the release of Dokubo. It also urged youths to appreciate the supreme importance of peaceful mediation, reconciliation and conciliation in nursing the country’s renascent democratic culture to maturity.

Ruling on the point of order raised by Omisore, the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark said, ”The question to ask here is, Is the case in court? Yes.

“I am aware that the case is in court. My personal advice is that his lawyers should go for bail. This is the highest law making body in the land, whatever decision we take will have effect on the system. I therefore uphold the point of order raised by Omisore,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chukwumerije has hinted that the motion seeking Uwazurike’s release will be represented. He said the motion had a lot of merit but was dismissed under the guise of subjudice.

Chukwumerije, who noted that he had respect for the wisdom of the Senate, said the response of the Senate to the motion was very unfortunate.

I love this present senate o. Why should that guy be released? Somebody that wants to divide the country, let him face the concequencies of his action.

Do not compare him to Dokubo at all. Dokubo never protested for a seperate country for the niger delta but for improved government presence in the area.

Mohdana,

What the Senate did was totally unfair. They should be ashamed of themselves. Na wetin? What do they mean by the Senate could not comment on any matter in which a judicial decision was pending; in such a way that might affect the final out come of the matter? That is just a way of playing the ostrich, if you ask me.

laudate

Why should they cmment when there are other important national issues to be looked into ehn? ASUU have been on strike for 3 months, niger delta problem is lingering, etc. And you want them to waste time on a criminal. If the case is in court, let it remain with the judiciary and let the legislators do their work which is : TO MAKE LAWS!

On another man's corps others may feel it is bunch of wood. Nobody has asked why did the guy want to divid the country? Everybody is interest in the clause divide the country. If the guy doesnt have any reason he wouldnt have been complaining. As for whether his action is comparable to Dokubo, his own is better than dokubo, the guy never threathen anybody that you must divide the country neither has he caused any meyhem.

He peascefully air his opinion and what he wants. If Nigeria is the cause of his detension God will pay him pack by making him succeed in his quest to divide the country and have his freedom but if he is wrong he will ravish in the prison without making any head way. Let's see who is right, it may not take too much time.

I think continual detention is as a result of less pressure coming from his folks, dokubo has more pressures that Uwazurike.

laudate:

Mohdana,

What the Senate did was totally unfair. They should be ashamed of themselves. Na wetin? What do they mean by the Senate could not comment on any matter in which a judicial decision was pending; in such a way that might affect the final out come of the matter? That is just a way of playing the ostrich, if you ask me.

If the senate usurps powers to release political detainees whenever they please then of what use is the judicial system?

kokoA:

laudate

Why should they cmment when there are other important national issues to be looked into ehn? ASUU have been on strike for 3 months, niger delta problem is lingering, etc. And you want them to waste time on a criminal. If the case is in court, let it remain with the judiciary and let the legislators do their work which is : TO MAKE LAWS!

The issue of Niger-Delta is youth restiveness just like what Uwazurike engaged in. If Uwazurike is a criminal who does not need to be discussed then those of Niger-Delta is as good as that.

However, those concerned about Uwazurike's release should once again apply for his bail through the courts after they have lobbied the President just like Asari's case was done.

he should follow due process, if he seeks bail

Please, sir, we need a link to the page where you copied this from. Thanks.