Chief Nnia Nwodo

Some Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Forum leaders on Wednesday have expressed worries over  recent developments in the country, warning that the country’s democracy was under threat.

Arising from a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the leaders condemned the recent withdrawal and payment of ₦496 million to the United States government for the procurement of Tucano aircraft without the approval of the National Assembly, describing it as a violation of the nation’s constitution.

They argued that the Nigerian Constitution made it clear on how the executive arm of government could spend the nation’s funds, alleging that it was unlawful for the President to spend the fund before approaching the National Assembly for approval.

While describing the invasion of the National Assembly and snatching of the Mace by suspected hoodlums as a national disaster, they also backed the call by a former Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, asking Nigerians to defend themselves against herdsmen invasion.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which lasted over four hours and read by Chief Nnia Nwodo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said: “Section 80(3) and (4) of the 1999 constitution is very clear on how the President could spend Nigeria’s fund. The provision states; “No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.”

“As it is, the President has violated the provisions of the highest law in the land. Nigeria is a republic founded on rule of law, where each arm of government is bound to be guided by the dictates of the constitution. This flagrant violation and unapproved spending must be abated as well as sanctioned.

“We therefore call on the National Assembly to do the needful as well as call on the United States government to return the money paid to its treasury as the money paid is not authorized.”

Other leaders of the various groups at the meeting were Chief Edwin Clark, PANDEF leader; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader and Dr. Bala Takaya, President of the Middle Belt Forum.

Other prominent Nigerians in attendance were Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Senators Chris Anyanwu and Jonah David Jang, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Col. Tony Nyiam, Femi Okurounmu, Supo Shonibare, Yinka Odumakin and Dr. Obadiah Mailafia among others.