A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Yusuf Ali, and some lecturers at the University of Lagos and University of Ilorin have disagreed on the resolution of the National Assembly to take over the Rivers State House of Assembly.

While Ali and Head of Department, Religion, UNILORIN, Prof. Badmus Yusuf, supported the stand of the National Assembly, the Head of Political Science, UNILAG, Prof. Solomon Akinboye, described the resolution as unfortunate and a violation of the rights of the people of Rivers State.

A Senior Lecturer in the same department, Dr. Samuel Ugo, and a lecturer in History in UNILAG, Prof. Yomi Akinyeye, equally faulted the position of the federal lawmakers.

Ali and Badmus Yusuf spoke during the public presentation of   Ar-risalah magazine in Ilorin on Sunday. The occasion was also used to recognise the contributions to societal development and nation building of Ali; foundation Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, Justice Mustapha Akanbi; and Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Ambali.

Ali also urged the National Assembly to ensure that its takeover did not last long, adding that it should ensure that peace was restored so that the majority in the House would continue to do its legislative functions.

He said, "To ensure that peace reigns, one has no choice but the National Assembly option because there was an apparent breakdown of law and order. Because of the doctrine of necessity, National Assembly action is commendable. But they should, in a short time, ensure that the majority will have its way.

"The National Assembly takeover of the legislature in the state should be a temporary one, maybe for few weeks, so that they can sort out things. There should be security in the place to ensure that the majority has its way."

Yusuf commended the National Assembly for its intervention. According to him, the measure would avert anarchy and forestall any likely bloodbath that may ensue as a result of the political tension in the state.

He identified corruption as the cause of developmental challenges in Nigeria. He canvassed a law that would prescribe death penalty for corruption offenders. He also said the law should ban indicted and corrupt politicians from participation in politics.

He said, "There should be a law that makes corruption attract death penalty. It should also blacklist politicians indicted in corruption."

Akinboye, told NAN that the action was unfortunate and violated the rights of Rivers State people.

Opposing the resolution, Akinboye said, "Taking over the functions of the House is not the solution to the crisis. The situation is becoming more chaotic and calls for concern.

"The people of Rivers should be able to settle their issues internally and amicably in order to move forward."

Ugo alleged that the action was a ploy to get rid of the state government.

Ugo believed the takeover meant that decisions on issues concerning the state would henceforth be taken by the National Assembly.

He expressed the worry that the situation might degenerate into a declaration of a state of emergency in the state, whereby the governor would be suspended until return of normalcy.