By JACOB KUBEKA, Anuja
A three-hour closed-door Joint Session of Nigeria’s National Assembly ended in Abuja Tuesday afternoon with the federal lawmakers threatening to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if he fails to end the spate of killings by armed herdsmen across the country and the growing impunity by government officials.
The lawmakers also called on the President to ensure the immediate prosecution of those involved in the recent snatching of the mace from the Senate Chamber and address other issues raised by in the Joint Session.
In a resolution passed and read at the end of the Joint Session, the lawmakers further asked the Buhari to end what they called Executive Lawlessness and charged the President to take full responsibility for the actions and inactions of his officials which posed a threat to democracy and the security of the country.
“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 lawmakers said in a communique at the end of the session released by the Media office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.
The Communique read in part:
“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 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 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 prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.
“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.
“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, 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 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 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 will not hesitate to evoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.”