N’Assembly Threatens Impeachment if Killings of Nigerians, Harassment Not Stopped

 

Rising from its joint meeting on Tuesday and while apparently referring to the Executive, the National Assembly ordered that the security agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killing of Nigerians across the country and protect lives and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible Government.

 

The President of the Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki, and one its members, Dino Melaye, have had unsettled brushes with the Police, which it termed as being unhealthy for the nation’s democratic evolution, adding: “The National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.”

In a joint statement issued by both Houses, it said systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop.

The statement said: “There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees;

“The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy

“The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective. It should also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.”

The sanctity of the National Assembly, the statement stressed should be protected and preserved by government by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace;

According to the lawmakers, it would liaise with International Communities through the IPU,  APU,  ECOWAS,  CPA,  Parliament,  Pan African Parliament, EU,  UN,  US congress and UK Parliament to secure the nation’s democracy.

“Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign  of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections;

“The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy;

“The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel.”

Both chambers, the statement added, passed a vote of  confidence on the Senate President, Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and the entire leadership of the National Assembly;

The statement partly read: “We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerian and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.

“Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.”