The supremacy battle between the National Assembly and the Presidency deepened further yesterday as the National Assembly in a joint session presented 11 resolutions that President Muhammadu Buhari must attend to or risk getting impeached.
This marks an escalation of the ongoing conflict between the National Assembly and the Presidency and risks increasing economic uncertainty as the 2019 election approaches.
Budget 2018 is yet to be signed into law and there are key bills like the petroleum industry bills that could suffer in the face of this escalating conflict.
Already, BusinessDay gathered that some aggrieved lawmakers have collected over 100 signatures that will culminate in serving impeachment notice on the President.
Gudaje Kazaure (APC-Jigawa) disclosed this at the end of over three hours closed door session held by Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Kazaure who confirmed the collection of signature, however noted that the move was halted by Speaker Yakubu Dogara who expressed optimism that the issue will be addressed at the joint session. “It is true that some people are collecting signatures in the name of serving impeachment notice. It is just the leadership, Speaker Dogara that said they should keep that aside.
“But I know that even if they serve the President with the impeachment notice, it will not work,” the Jigawa lawmaker said authoritatively.
He disclosed that 162 lawmakers from the North loyal to President Buhari have floated a pressure group called Justice and Fairness, to protect their interest on the heels of the lingering crisis.
He added that some Senators are also aligning with their House of Representatives’ counterparts to thwart the impeachment plan or any other steps aimed at ridiculing the President.
Kazaure also alleged that the impeachment moves were spearheaded by some members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), namely Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) and Ossai Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta).
While reacting to question on the counter-move to impeach Speaker Dogara by Buhari’s faithfuls, he argued that based on unanimous resolution taken by both Chambers, nobody will lead the impeachment of both the Speaker and Senate President.
Details of the 11 point demand from the joint session include; a demand that 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
Buhari should stop 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 and that there must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees.
The lawmakers also demanded 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 Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective and also prosecute current appointees that 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.
The National Assembly also resolved to liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure Nigeria’s democracy while demanding that 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 also resolved to work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy while asking that that President Buhari must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that oil prices have risen to $80 per barrel.
Finally, both chambers of the National Assembly passed a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly but reaffirmed its earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police “who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerian and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.”
Finally, the National Assembly threatened that it will not hesitate to invoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed yesterday.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
