Killings/Impunity: NASS threatens Buhari with impeachment

President Muhammadu Buhari came under attack in the National Assembly (NASS) yesterday as both chambers threatened to impeach him over his failure to end the current nationwide killings by criminals and armed herdsmen, as well as acts of impunity by his appointees.

At a joint closed-door session which lasted for over three hours, NASS made a 12-points demand, which the President must meet otherwise they (lawmakers) will invoke the constitutional power on him.

The lawmakers said that Buhari’s actions were fast eroding Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, “is grossly incompetent for the office he occupies”.

Consequently, they passed a vote of no confidence on the IGP for allegedly presiding over the killing of innocent Nigerians, and consistent frame up of perceived political opponents of the President.

NASS charged the Executive arm of government to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and take responsibility for his appointees’ actions.

In the resolutions, they asked Buhari to give marching order to all the security agencies to curtail the sustained killings across the country and protect the life and property of Nigerians, as this is the primary duty of any responsible government.

According to them, “the systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions, including legislators and judicial officers, 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 who 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 and prosecute current appointees who have cases pending against them.

“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.

“National Assembly should liaise with the international community through the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), African Parliamentary Union (APU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), CPA, Pan African Parliament, European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), the United States (US) Congress and the United Kingdom (UK) Parliament, to secure our democracy.

“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 (CSOs), Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (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 IGP who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerians and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authorities, both the Executive and the Legislative.

“Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today”.

After the session, Hon. Mohammed Kazaure Gudanje, said that he agreed with the House that President Buhari should put an end to the killings and unemployment, but distanced himself from the impeachment threat.

He said: “We are strong enough to stop any impeachment. Nobody will impeach the President as far as we are alive in this House, that day is a war day”.

He said people around the President are the ones misleading him, adding that the President has a good heart.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who presided over the session as chairman of National Assembly, read the resolutions of the joint session.

*Security storm National Assembly

While the session lasted, security operatives comprising the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stormed the NASS complex, and ordered people at the complex to stay clear of the area, by screaming: “Keep on moving, “No standing.”

When the session ended at about 3.30pm, the Senate retired to its chamber and adjourned till today. The motion for the adjournment was moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan and seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Apkabio.

The AUTHORITY gathered that Saraki had a secret meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria.

The envoy allegedly paid him a courtesy visit before the plenary started.

Culled from: AUTHORITY