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Nigerian authorities have withdrawn the security detail of House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal one day after the latter announced his defection from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC).
"In view of the recent defection… and having regard to the clear provision of Section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has redeployed its personnel attached to his [Tambuwal's] office," police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said in a terse statement.
Police's interpretation of Tambuwal's means that the government now considered his assembly seat vacant – which could serve to aggravate political tension ahead of general elections slated for 2015.
Section 68 of the constitution says defecting lawmakers must have their seats declared vacant unless their defection comes as a result of internal divisions within their respective parties.
A court ruled early this year that there was no division within the ruling PDP, although critics have questioned the ruling in view of ongoing internal wrangling within the PDP's ranks.
The ruling party is now challenging the defection, last year and early this year, of at least 57 members of the House of Representatives and 11 senators to the opposition, citing internecine rifts within the ruling party.
But a court ruling in this regard is not expected before February general elections.
The police decision to strip Tambuwal of his security detail implies that the government no longer recognizes him as parliament speaker.
Nigeria's House of Representatives was adjourned to December 3 shortly before Tambuwal announced his defection, making it difficult for the ruling party to engineer his impeachment.
By Rafiu Ajakaye
englishnews@aa.com.tr
www.aa.com.tr/en - Lagos
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