National Assembly threatens Buhari with impeacment, berates police

After a 3-hour joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, the two chambers of the National Assembly resolved to invoke its powers against the executive arm of government if nothing was done to end the ongoing harassment and humiliation of perceived political opponents by the police.

The two chambers also said President Buhari must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and, must ensure a strict adherence to the rule of law.

Parts of the resolution reads: “That security agencies must be given a marching order to curtail the killings across the country and protect lives of innocent Nigerians, the president, government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption.”

It was further resolved that the sanctity of the National Assembly must be protected and, to pursue those who invaded the National Assembly and hijacked the mace of the Senate. The lawmakers also agreed to liase with the ECOWAS parliament, EU, UN, Civil Society Organization to save the country’s democracy.

The legislature also stated that urgent measures must be taken to curtail the growing state of unemployment in the country. The National Assembly, in addition, affirmed a vote of no confidence on the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

However, the two chambers passed a vote of confidence on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

The ten demands placed on the presidency:

• Security agencies must be given a marching order to curtail the killings across the country and protect lives of innocent Nigerians.
• The harassment and humiliation by the Executive or perceived political opponent by the police must be put to an end.
• The executive must ensure a strict adherence to the rule of law.
• The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees.
• The government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption.
• Sanctity of the National Assembly must be protected and the investigation of those who invaded the National Assembly to hijack the mace must be pursued to its logical conclusion.
• National Assembly will liaise with the ECOWAS parliament, EU, UN, Civil Society Organization to save the country’s democracy.
• The growing state of unemployment must be curtailed.
• A vote of no confidence must be passed on the IGP.
• A vote of confidence must be passed on the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara.

The legislature vowed that if nothing is done, the National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its powers on the Executive. The two chambers adjourned plenary indefinitely.