Some members of the Minority caucus in the House of Representatives under the auspices of Active Minority are set for a show down with their colleagues over plot to remove the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chindan (PDP, Rivers).
About 89 members of the minority caucus have thrown their weight behind Chinda warning that they would resist any attempt to remove him ahead of the planned meeting of the caucus schedules for Monday evening in Abuja.
Notice for the meeting was jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick, leader of PDP Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader, LP Caucus, Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar, NNPP Caucus and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, leader, YPP.
However, three other parties who are members of the caucus, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) are not part of the signatory of those calling for the emergency meeting.
It was titled, ‘Notice of emergency meeting of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives’, and addressed to ‘All Minority Members of the House of Representatives’
The notice read, ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives’.
The meeting is scheduled for The Envoy Hotel in Abuja, but as at last night, the venue of the meeting was said to have been changed to Conference Room 028 in the House of Representatives New Building at 8pm.
Chinda had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja and secured an injunction stopping the Speaker of the House, the Clerk and leadership of National Assembly Grimm accepting any letter purported to have emanated from the minority parties removing him as minority leader.
While Chinda alleged that the only reason advanced by those plotting his removal was his closeness to FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, some minority lawmakers are accusing Chinda of not providing leadership and working behind closed doors for the ruling APC.
The Nation gathered last night that the Active Minority group, led by a PDP member from one of the Northern states has been holding series of meeting in Abuja ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, October 7th.
A member of the Active Minority, who is privy to the meetings and spoke on condition of anonymity said they were prepared to counter the moves by certain interests in the PDP and the ADC bent on replacing Chinda because of his affiliation to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.
‘We have stumbled on a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. His only sin is the allegations that he is close to the FCT minister, Chief Wike.
‘But I can assure you, we are ready for those sponsored to come to the floor and execute this insidious plan. Our group, the Active Minority is prepared to resist this because Hon. Chinda has discharged his responsibilities as an opposition leader very well.
‘As I speak with you, the Active Minority has a membership strength of 89 members and more members are identifying with us. Mind you, the entire opposition lawmakers are about 140 and we have an overwhelming majority to counter any undemocratic move’.
When asked about the list of the Active Minority, the lawmaker said ‘We are keeping our identities under wraps until the House resumes. We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. Our strategy is also within us until we meet at the battle field’.
SpeKing on why they choose to support the minority leader, the lawmaker said ‘Hon. Chinda’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of the Nigerian people has set him apart as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.
‘Chinda has since 2023 vehemently stood against the defection of opposition lawmakers to APC. One of Chinda’s notable contributions lies in his staunch opposition to members of the opposition defecting to the ruling party, citing violations of constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
‘He has always been a strong voice drawing the attention of the leadership to at least obey the law and do what is right.
‘In the face of adversity and resistance, Chinda has stood firm in his convictions, fearlessly challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable for its actions. His vocal stance on critical issues has resonated with many, inspiring a sense of unity and solidarity among those who seek a more just and equitable society.
‘By setting a precedent of integrity and adherence to legal frameworks, he encourages others to follow suit in promoting a fair and transparent governance system. So, why would you suddenly decide to remove such an effective leader from his position because of a flimsy excuse that he’s close to Wike. Why don’t you go and face Wike and leave Chinda alone?
‘Again, Chinda’s relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability underscores the importance of strengthening democratic institutions to foster a resilient system of governance in Nigeria.
‘His dedication to uplifting the voices of the often overlooked in decision-making processes showcases a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and representation.
‘Most importantly, Chinda has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the sponsorship of various bills and motions that address pressing issues facing the nation. So, we cannot allow such an excellent material to be thrown under the bus. All we are saying is Chinda must stay’.