Safiu Kehinde
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to intervene in crisis rocking opposition parties.
NPO Reported that Tinubu had yesterday vowed not help opposition parties put their house in order.
Speaking at the joint session held by the National Assembly in commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the President however charged the opposition parties to put their house in order.
He ruled out claims of orchestrating a one-party state.
While reiterating that he will not interfere in the opposition parties’ affairs, Tinubu expressed delight in the crisis rocking the parties as he maintained that the APC door remains open for new members.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist. For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.” The President had said.
Reacting to Tinubu address after the event, Saraki agreed with his stance and support for multi-party system.
The former Senate President charged opposition parties to go and get their house in order as the President has allayed growing concern over the one-party state claims.
“I think we must take him at his words. I mean he spoke well, saying that he too is not for a one-party state. So, we must take him at his words that he supports a multi-party.
“We are all on the same page. Those who say they are under pressure, there is no pressure anymore.
“So, we are all for multi-party. Everybody should go and get their house in order.
“As he said, he is not going to help us. So, we are going to sort out own house and get our house in order.” Saraki said.
He also commended the President for the national honours conferred on prominent Nigerians, stressing that it is part of recognizing those who fought for democracy.
NPO Reported that the President had yesterday conferred posthumous national honour on Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, and Ken Saro-Wiwa amongst others.
Also honoured were Prof Wole Soyinka, Bayo Onanuga, Femi Falana, and others.