A group of former federal lawmakers, operating under the aegis of “House to the Rescue,”has vehemently rejected a planned endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition by a body titled the “Former Legislators’ Forum.”
In a strongly worded statement released on [Insert Date], the group described the upcoming summit as a “cash-and-carry political carnival” and a “rented crowd” assembled to manufacture artificial legitimacy for the current administration.
The statement, signed by Hon. Sergius Ogun, Hon. Herman Hembe, and 15 other former members of the National Assembly, alleged that the endorsement was being bankrolled by “desperate government officials” within the Presidency.
‘Integrity is Not for Sale’
The group distanced itself from the summit, insisting that the identities of former lawmakers should not be treated as commodities for political patronage.
“We state clearly, firmly, and without apology: We are not, and will never be, part of any contrived summit of ex-legislators being hurriedly assembled to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition,” the statement read.
“This is not consultation. This is not patriotism. It is a money-induced endorsement, sponsored by those who arrogantly believe credibility can be bought with envelopes, hotel banquets, and backroom inducements.”
The group further slammed the organizers for attempting to speak for hundreds of former lawmakers, calling the move “democratic fraud” and “political prostitution.”
Performance Over Propaganda
Drawing parallels to historical figures, the group warned that “blind hero-worship” has never saved a failing government. They cited the examples of Mobutu Sese Seko, Sani Abacha, and Robert Mugabe, noting that their “praise singers” eventually faded into “shameful irrelevance.”
“If this administration believes it deserves a second term, let it present tangible results to Nigerians: Security restored, hunger reduced, jobs created, and the economy stabilized. Endorsements do not govern a nation; performance does,” the group stated.
Resolutions
The “House to the Rescue” group concluded their press release by outlining four key resolutions:
1. Complete dissociation from the “Former Legislators’ Forum” and its upcoming summit.
2. Total rejection of any endorsement issued in their names.
3. A stern warning against the unauthorized use of their identities for political propaganda.
4. A condemnation of the “shameless monetization” of democratic institutions.
“Our integrity is not for sale. Our voices cannot be rented. Nigeria deserves leadership built on results—not propaganda, not bribery, and not staged legitimacy,” the statement concluded.
Signatories:
* Hon. Sergius Ogun
* Hon. Herman Hembe
* Hon. Sam Okwu
* Hon. Zakari Mohammed
* Hon. Tom Zakari
* Hon. Mohammed Soba
* Hon. Chika Adamu
* Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim
* Hon. Tajudeen Ajagbe
* Hon. Supo Abiodun
* Hon. Danlad Donald Olayonu
* Hon. Abubakar Amuda Kannike
* Hon. Rufus Omiri
* Hon. Mayor Eze
* Hon. Kamil Akinlabi
* Hon. Shaaba Ibrahim
* Hon. Nkwo Nkole
