In what appeared to be a drawing of line in the sand, the National Assembly, sitting jointly in an closed session, has decided to hold President Muhammadu Buhari accountable for the actions of his appointees, adding that he must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger the country and her democracy.
The members also passed a vote of no confidence on the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; and declared they would not hesitate to invoke their Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the 12-point position it raised Tuesday.
Interpreted to mean that “members are considering wielding the big stick of impeachment, if need be,” by insiders, the joint closed-door session was seen by political watchers as a survival strategy by lawmakers, who feel threatened by a “marauding executive”.
Other resolutions of the session are:
*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.
*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.
*There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees.
*The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.
*The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business, and prosecute those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.
It was also resolved that the National Assembly should liaise with the International Community through the Inter-parliament Union (IPU), African Parliamentary Union (APU), ECOWAS, Ccommonwealth Parliamentary Aassociation (CPA), Pan African Parliament, European Union, Unoted Nations, US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy.
*Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as the forthcoming 2019 elections draws near.
*The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organisations, Trade Unions and 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 with the advantage of the oil price rising 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.
Members reaffirmed their 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.