17/04/2025
*REPORT OF EDO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS (EDOCSO) MONTHLY GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON SATURDAY, 12th APRIL 2025.*
The monthly meeting which started by 10:00am, was presided over by its Coordinator-General,
Leftist Omobude Agho, with the national prayer, second stanza of the national anthem with charge up chants. Leftist Agho, advised Comrades to always attend meetings with a copy of the Constitution.
Leftist Godspower Okumbor, the Secretary-General of the network read the minutes of the last General Assembly (GA) to the audience, it was adopted by Comrades.
Topic For Discussion.
*"State of Emergency Declared By President Tinubu In Rivers State"*
Part II.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
*Section 305. Procedures For Declaration of State of Emergency.*
The topic was taken from the Nigeria Constitution, fifth alteration by Leftist Justice Itietie Itietie Omojevwe Omobendel the Director of Strategy & Mobilisation Edo Civil Society Organisations and coordinator Community Youths Response Initiative-CYRI who took the house through the section bit by bit in regard the current happening in Rivers state.
This section provide for the procedure for declaration of state of emergency. The proclamation of a state of emergency is the exclusive preserve of the president. However, the Governor of a state may request for such proclamation, supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly. By the provisions of subsection (5), should a Governor in the circumstance not make the request to the president within reasonable time, the president could go ahead to issue the proclamation of a state of emergency. Apart from proclamation in the official gazette as stipulated in subsection (1).
In pursuance of subsection (3), of Section 4. Cap, a,b,c,d and e. President Ahmed Tinubu failed to meet-up with the Constitutional provisions for declaring state of emergency in Rivers State 18th March 2025. Meanwhile, the nation is faced with hazardous situation in the South-East, North-Central and other region in the Northern. Leftist Omobude Agho, said the President would have apply the same antidote he applied during the financial autonomy struggle between state governors and local government chairmen by approaching the court for separation of powers (autonomy). Leftist Agho expressed disappointment on the continuous deliberate disrespect to the country's Constitution by the political class who are privileged by the same authority, which they often disrespect its authorities to satisfy their personal interest. It was a heated discussion among Comrades in attendance. Although the Emergency Power Bill, which was enacted 1951, re-amended 2018, was sited.
Leftist Agho, in swift response quoted the supremcy of organic law, he sighted authorities from Subsection (3) of Section 1. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the supreme law of the land and its provisions has binding force on all authorities, institutions and persons throughout Nigeria. Subsection (1) - (4) of Section 4. Set out all the powers of the National Assembly to legislate for the peace, order, good governance and prosperity of Nigerians.
*The Uromi Killings.*
The Coordinator- General frown at the killings in Uromi on the 27th March 2025. As a setback for the entire nation. They are hunters, the real criminals are in our forest. He advised Nigerians to stop killings themselves and focus on the real criminals, the politicians. If politicians can unite against Nigerians, why can't the people unite together to redeem themselves and fight a common known enemy. "We dey worship our enemy and the innocent is always the victims!"
In his words, Northern political leaders made them very poor so that they can use them like dogs!
Leftist Agho, those killed in Uromi are the biggest victims of the problems confronting our collective existence (insecurity).
*FOI, Supreme Court Ruling.*
The Supreme Court ruling on Freedom of Information Act (FOI), on Friday, 11th April 2025. The Coordinator- General of the network encouraged citizens to take due advantage of the Supreme Court ruling on FOI, to start demanding for accountability and transparency from elected/public officers, using the provisions of the act.
The gathering closed with a very robust question and answer section. The meeting continued with the discuss of the network's internal affairs, other, state and national issues. Adjournment was moved and seconded promptly. A luta continua.
Edo Civil Society Organisations is a formidable human rights network of the Left Movement of Nigeria, our motto is,
PROMOTING GOOD GOVERNANCE, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
Signed.
Leftist Aimuae-Osa Igbinomwanhia.
Public Relations Officer.
Edo civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO).
THE MASSES HOUSE
6B, Obakhavbaye Street, Adjacent Spirit & Life Bible Church,
off Oba Market Road/Isekhere Street,
Benin City,
Edo State.
FOLLOW US ON;
www.edocso.org
Email: [email protected]
Twitter:
page: Edo Civil Society Organisations
08133733554.
07047637552.
08071448219.
