BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) on the aegis of HallowMace Foundation, has described the postponement of the resumption of the National Assembly earlier scheduled for January 23, 2021 to February 9, 2021 as irresponsible arrest of Nigeria’s democracy.
HallowMace Foundation said that the postponement is undemocratic and not in national interest based on the reason adduced for it, stressing that the development is quite worrisome, shocking and totally uncalled for.
It also said that the decision of the National Assembly management is an affront on the nation’s multi-party democracy, adding that it is unconstitutional and a subtle ploy to railroading Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship.
These were contained in a statement by the Executive Director of HallowMace Foundation, Mr. Sunny Anderson in which it expressed rude shock at the postponement on the excuse of membership registration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the Foundation; “The postponement of the plenary session of the two Chambers of the National Assembly to enable members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) participate in their party membership drive can best be described as an irresponsible arrest of our democracy.
“It is unheard of that the National Assembly which by the way is composed of members from different political parties would pause its constitutionally guaranteed national assignment to enable the ruling party enroll new members in their party.
“It is also very unfortunate that members of the National Assembly who were elected by Nigerians and who also swore to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, have obviously abdicated their responsibility and abandoned the constitution and the people at the most critical time when leaders all over the world are searching for solution to the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is also very unfortunate, disheartening and sad that the Minority Caucus of the National Assembly has been cowered and as well abdicated its responsibility to protect the interest of Nigerians by keeping quiet in the face of the affront to the duties of the National Assembly,” it said.
HallowMace Foundation therefore called on the management of the National Assembly to as a matter of national importance, immediately reverse the decision and apologise to Nigerians for the misadventure.
It noted that the affairs of the APC or any other party for that matter are their private affair and should never be muddled with the responsibilities of the National Assembly.
The Foundation also urged the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly to apologize to Nigerians for riding roughshod on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
