…Warns against rigging in 2019
- Seeks int’l support to save Nigeria’s democracy
National Assembly members yesterday rose from a three and half hours closed doors executive session and sent a warning signal to President Muhammadu Buhari to either implement its resolutions or be impeached through invocation of relevant provisions of the constitution.
News Headquarter gathered that both chambers of the federal parliament at the session chaired by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki also warned that the 2019 general elections must not be rigged as they vowed to liaise with the international community in securing the nation’s democracy.
In a 12point resolution read by Saraki after the session held at the House of Representatives the National Assembly also passed a vote of no confidence passed on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
Other resolutions passed by the legislature are that “the security agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killings of Nigerians across the country and protect life and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible government.
“The 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.
“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 also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.
“The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.
“National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA,
“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 of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly.
“We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police 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”.
Earlier before the joint closed door session, the Senate held a one and half hours closed door session (from 11:00am to 12:30pm) before moving to the House of Representatives.
