Harassment, Humiliation: Joint NASS Session Threatens To Invoke Constitutional Powers If…
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Joint Executive Session of the National Assembly has called for the immediate stoppage to what it described as 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.
The National Assembly members declared that democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as the nation approach the forthcoming 2019 elections.
The Executive Session of the National Assembly which is the first of its kind since 1999, equally said that 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 the country and democracy.
The joint session reaffirmed the earlier resolution of the two chambers of the National Assembly of a vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who the legislators noted does nothing other than preside over the killings of innocent Nigerians and consistently framing up perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.
The joint session urged the Executive arm of government to show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective but to also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.
The Federal legislators warned that the National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address its resolutions passed on Tuesday.
Parts of the resolution read; “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.
“There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees.
“The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved by the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.
The joint session directed its leadership to liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US Congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy.
The Joint session of the National Assembly assured that it would work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy
It called on President Muhammadu Buhari to 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 thereafter passed a vote of confidence on the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly.