Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi

Onyewuchi Francis Ezenwa (born in 1968) is a Nigerian politician and Senator representing Imo East Senatorial district. He served the people of Imo State from 2011-2027 at the National Assembly. Quotes This decision is due to the intractable division and crisis in the Labour Party that sponsored my election into the senate. We give our unflinching support to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and of course, support his administration aimed at achieving sustainable development for our country. I wish to inform Mr. President and distinguished senators of my defection from the People’s Democratic Party to the Labour Party. This is after due consultation with my family, constituents and supporters. That’s a contentious issue, which is the amendment to the Senate rules. And just like you have expressed, we tried to address it and we also tried to air our views, but some of those views were diluted by the cacophony of voices due to the contentious nature of the issue that was raised. But for me, I think the amendment, in all good conscience, is self-serving and unconstitutional. And I will give you my reasons. Section 50 of the Nigerian Constitution is clear on it: ‘There shall be a President and a Deputy President of the Senate who shall be elected by members from among themselves.’ It did not set further criteria. And any other criteria set outside this, that is in conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to that extent, is null and void. The Senate is relying on Section 60 of the Constitution that gives the Senate powers to moderate its procedure, the Senate internal procedure. But for me, the procedure we are talking about should be for the effective running of the Senate. It should be for the conduct of Senate business. We will be looking at the issue of how our bills are done, how we carry out our oversight, how we even discipline erring members of the Senate, but not on fundamental issues that will be inconsistent with the Constitution. You see, what has happened, for me, shows a lack of faith and confidence in the democratic process of electing presiding officers. And it also worries me that we may be foisting a predetermined leadership for the incoming Senate, the 10th Senate, and that will be unfair. We will be infringing on the rights of members of this distinguished Senate if that is allowed to stand. For me, I qualify; I am a ranking member of the Senate, but it is not just about me. It is about this institution. This is my 16th year here, and we are concerned about the legacy we are going to leave behind. I will not be here forever. By the time we leave, what are you leaving behind? Are you strengthening democracy by your actions? That is my major concern. So, I think clearly this issue should be revisited. I am formally going to bring a motion to rescind this decision of the Senate for the common good. And that is what I will do. External links Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:Politicians from Nigeria Category:Journalists from Nigeria