The resolution passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday condemning the high-handed of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is already eliciting response.
Rising from a joint executive seesion on Tuesday, the National Assembly condemned what it called “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.”
The federal lawmakers said “There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees,” insisting 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 our country and democracy.”
The lawmakers further called into question President Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade asvising the government to “show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective and also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.”
The communique issued at the end of the joint session said, “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.”
Reacting shortly after the communique was released, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the resolution was a vindication of its stance on the Buhari administration.
“The PDP commends the members of the National Assembly for their patriotism and courage in unanimously standing up for democracy, rule of law, national stability and cohesion at this trying time,” a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, read.
“Nigerians would recall that the PDP had consistently pointed to the misrule of the Buhari presidency, as well as the unrelenting violations of our constitution, unprecedented executive highhandedness, abuse of the rights of citizens and the erosion of all known democratic norms under this administration.
“These are in addition to the foisting of siege mentality on Nigerians as well as presidential aloofness to important issues of state thereby resulting in the escalation violence, killings and daily bloodlettings in our country.
“From the above, it has become evident that Mr. President must be called to order through an appropriate legislative instrument. The PDP therefore calls on all democrats, across board, irrespective of party affiliations, to come together, support the National Assembly and save our democracy from the misrule of the Buhari presidency.”