“DANCE OF SHAME” in Rivers State House of Assembly. “DANCE OF SHAME” was the title of a soap opera in one of the television stations in Lagos state several years ago. The movie was a prototype of an African traditional setting where different characters (elders) played different but significant roles. One major character that never ceased to amuse me then, was a man called “Egejuru” who was known for notoriety and foolery. In spite of his waywardness, he still found an ally in his bosom friend, “Dike-Oha”. Egejuru was always embroiled in one nasty controversy or the other but yet he was an elder. He was not only a misfit in the community because of his misdemeanor; he also behaved contrary to the moral ethos of his community which he supposedly represented as an elder. Because of this aberrant behavior “Egejuru” was never accorded his due respect. The movie probably earned its title from the activities of the likes of “Egejuru” and his cohorts who though were elders in their own rights chose to live like minors in their community. And so when about two weeks ago, the supposedly elected members of Rivers State House of Assembly decided to change their “HALLOWED CHAMBERS” to a “BOXING RING” I took my time to look for an appellation that will be suitable to describe that ugly incident. And what immediately came to my mind was the above movie title “DANCE OF SHAME”. Several comments have been made by individuals and media practitioners regarding the shameless acts exhibited by members of that Assembly. Their conduct was the height of legislative indiscipline ever witnessed in Nigeria. Yes, we have been witnessing throwing of chairs and blow at our Assemblies, both State and Federal. But the recent “SHOW OF SHAME” by the Rivers State House of Assembly members only gave our legislative practice a new dimension which can be termed barbaric and cannibalistic. And Nigerians, home and abroad condemn their actions. Go and find out why men who qualify to be grandfathers decided to undermine the sanctity of their offices, you will discover the influence of money. The “MACE” which by its design is a symbol of “AUTHOURITY” became a weapon in hands of those who do not know its use. Unfortunately, I did not read anywhere or hear anywhere that the House members apologized to Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general. They were most dishonorable in every sense. A situation where five members out of twenty seven conducted an impeachment process and told Nigerians that, members of the house voted massively for a new speaker gives some of us concern as to whether some of our lawmakers are truly sane. I want to believe that if the people of Rivers state wanted boxers and wrestlers to represent them at their State House of Assembly, I am sure they would have had enough of such people to occupy the available positions, going by their performance at the recently concluded National Sports Festival. The conduct of the lawmakers only shows the kind of people Rivers State, have as their representatives. Am sure in this situation the people of rivers state know better because very soon some of them will be seeking re-election. Once beaten, twice shy.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 16:46:00 +0000
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