SAN FRANCISCO, June 19, (THEWILL) – The frosty relations between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government appear to have reached a boiling point.
Both arms had gotten along amidst mutual suspicion in the last three years when this administration took office. But, the recent emergency joint session of both chambers and the 12-point resolution raised against President Muhammadu Buhari smacks of an impending showdown like hasn’t been seen before in our ever-revolving democratic process.
The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has witnessed multiple self-inflicted clashes amongst various groups and interests since it took power in 2015.
In the session of Tuesday, June 15, 2018, presided over by Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, federal lawmakers urged the president to address diverse issues of national concern, or face impeachment.
The resolution reads: “1. 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.
2. 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.
3. There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees.
4. 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.
5. The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.
6. 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.
7a. National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU, UN, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy.
b. Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections.
8. The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote-of-no confidence on the Inspector General of Police 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 authority, both executive and legislative.
12. Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.”
Is this bickering and face-off healthy for our democracy? Absolutely! However, what is worrisome is the threat of impeachment which if not properly handled could heat up the polity and throw governance into chaos with barely 3 months to the beginning of the next general election season.
THEWILL therefore calls for caution, dialogue and maturity from Buhari and members of the executive, Saraki and Dogara, and key NASS leaders in resolving their differences so that progressive governance is not hindered. Just like Winston Churchill said, “To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war.”
Nigeria has myriad of problems and this is not the time to settle personal or political differences. Scores of Nigerians are being killed almost daily in the middle-belt by militia with suspected ties to cattle owners, the Boko Haram as well as armed bandits, while a large number of Nigerians continue to groan hunger, poverty and fear.
President Buhari, Saraki and Dogara and ranking members of the National Assembly irrespective of personal or political party must set aside their issues and sincerely work together towards ensuring that government performs its statutory function to citizens.
About the Author
