Leader of NPF Legislature Party, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA has thrown a challenge on the government to come out open on what kind of action government has initiated against the various scams like PDS, fuel adulteration and Pillai’s case etc.
Speaking at the 6th day of the sit-in protest organized by NPF Central youth wing at civil secretariat Kohima, Azo accused the government of talking big about good governance but with ‘nil action’.
He accused the NLA speaker of not taking up the disqualification case even after a lapse of more than three months which, as per convention, was supposed to be completed within 20 days.
Azo further asserted that the speaker had “nothing to say on whip issue” as the chief minister himself declared in affidavit that “whip was appointed by the party”. He said the party and members do not need any justification, but if the dissidents were bold enough, they should invite them (members with Dr. Shürhozelie) and discuss the issue. He however said that their silence revealed they were “disturbed”. Further, Azo maintained that if the rivals were confident of claiming the cock symbol, they would not have filed petition to ECI for review. “They are contradicting their own statement,” he added.
On the reconciliation called by the dissident group, Azo said it (reconciliation) should not be in the form of ultimatum nor should be time bound. Instead, he said the rivals asked the speaker to disqualify nine MLAs (with Dr.Shurho) which revealed they (rivals) speak one thing and do the opposite.
On his appointment as NPF legislature party leader, Azo said the party despite knowing it was wrong had submitted letter of appointment to the speaker on July 20 2017 morning. Azo, however, said the speaker replied on the same day, stating that there was no record to prove the fact that he (Azo) was elected by more than one half of the members of the NPF legislature party at a meeting.
Justifying party position, Azo said that with the suspension and expulsion of the members in the dissident group, there were altogether NPF 15 MLAs (including four members in the rival faction). Thus, he said the party after fulfilling the criteria as per Rule 3 (1) submitted the letter of appointment again on July 31. However, he said the speaker has not acted on it till date.
NPF legislature spokesperson Yitachu, MLA said the situation would not have arisen had the governor been guided by and followed the Indian Constitution adding instead, the governor has overshadowed Indian constitution and put the state to shame.
Yitachu said the speaker was dancing to the tune of governor by allowing the government to function and said hunger for power has surpassed Indian constitution and rule of laws.
He accused the government of resorting to delay tactics in court hearings which had led to casting aspersions on the judiciary system. YItachu however said the legal system should not be allowed to be mocked.
Taking on both the messages of governor and chief minister on the occasion of vigilance awareness week, wherein the two had stated that “Corruption has become a way of Life”, Yitachu said if the two heads of the state can make such a statement, citizens has the right to know what kind of action have they initiated to check corruption in the state.
He lamented that checking corruption has become one of the most lucrative business in a democratic world which failed to check corruption.
Yitahcu further cautioned that when peaceful protest does not bring any peaceful end, the state will be heading towards violence and chaos. He also hoped that the governor and speaker will not take wrong step and push the state to such a situation.
State NCP president Vanthungo Odyuo and former MLA Asu Keyho also spoke at the meeting.