Be like Tinubu, consult National Assembly before appointing SAs – PDP Chieftain to Gov Otti

Mike Nwabueze, a chieftain of the largest opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has warned Governor Alex Otti, against sliding the state into dictatorship.

He gave the caution on Wednesday, June 21 following the appointments and elevation of persons from Abia State as aides and heads of government’s ministries, departments, agencies and boards.

Nwabuezen also accused the governor’s aides of usurping the powers conferred and exercised by members of the State Executive Council (SEC), who are designated commissioners.

Nwabueze, who also served as Special Adviser to the immediate past Governor of the State, Okezie Ikpeazu, frowned at the unfolding scenarios and attributed the phenomenon to negligence and executive recklessness, reports Daily Post.

According to him, “The situation is worse because the aides never passed through screening by lawmakers.

“By occupying offices as commissioners in ministries, holding meetings with, and giving directives to permanent secretaries and directors of those ministries, the aides are usurping functions reserved for cabinet members.

Mr Nwabueze added, “Otti’s aides cannot exercise such powers, because they are only answerable to the governor but not accountable to the people through their elected representatives at the Abia state House of Assembly.”

He called on Governor Alex Otti to emulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who sought the consent and approval of the national assembly to appoint his Special Advisers before the appointments took place.