Okorocha Must Hand Over, Says Ex-Commissioner

Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, a Professor of Law and former Commissioner for Information in Imo State, said that Governor Rochas Okorocha has no choice than to perform his constitutional responsibility of handing over power to an incoming Governor Emeka Ihedioha on May 29, 2019.

According to him, Nigeria is operating a constitutional democracy, which spelt out issues of devolution of power, hand over, tenure for elected officials of government and duties of all persons including all tiers of government.

“Any serious minded person, be it in politics or in law, must hold an opinion that is durable, founded on law and due process. We live in a constitutional environment where law and order is spelt out including hand over, tenure of elected officials government and duties of all persons in Nigeria.

“You must agree with me that we cannot have governor for four years and one minute and nobody can be duely elected for less than four years. Rochas has no power to say he will not hand over on May 29. Even if he did not hand over anything, he leave government house for an incoming Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

“Nothing said you must be sworn-in at the stadium. The chief judge of the state or President of Customary Court of Appeal or anybody acting on their behalf is constitutionally duty bound to perform that role of swearing-in which is the real transmission of instrument of power and it can be done anywhere.

“Therefore, this sentiments and unnecessary alarm that Governor Rochas Okorocha is not cooperating with the incoming governor should not make headlines.





INDEPENDENT