Protesters shut down NASS

The National Assembly was in a lockdown yesterday as pro and anti-Saraki groups flexed muscles. As early as 8am, thousands of Nigerians,  under the aegis of Citizens United for Peace and Stability, laid siege to the Three Arms Zone and demanded the immediate resignation of  Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. The protest was code-named “Occupy National Assembly.”

Supporters of the embattled Senate President were also at hand to articulate their positions.

Saraki is being tried at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged perjury and false declaration of assets The trial continues today.

The protesters predominantly made up of students, also demanded that the lawmakers immediately revisit the grey areas identified in the 2016 budget submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Besides, they asked the 36 Senators who had so far collected their sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to return them immediately or face the wrath of Nigerians.

The protesters obstructed the flow of vehicular traffic as they marched from the Unity Fountain within the Central Area of the city to the National Assembly, a journey of about two kilometers. Defying security mounted by regular and riot Police officers, they forced their way into the Assembly complex, shut the main gate and prevented staff, lawmakers and visitors from either entering or leaving the premises.

The protesters, armed with placards containing various inscriptions, vowed to occupy the National Assembly for an initial three days to see whether their demands would be met. They also said they would resume a permanent protest that would paralyse all activities in the National Assembly until all their demands were fully met.

In a related development, another set of protesters, under the aegis of “Save Nigeria Group,” led by Solomon Adodo, also staged a protest and condemned the call for Saraki’s resignation.

Adodo maintained that the prosecution of Saraki was an attempt to emasculate the Senate noting that the  development would destroy the image of the upper legislative house in the long run.

“Senate should not be distracted with the tele-guided trial of Saraki at the CCT,” he said.

Reacting, Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, said the protesters by their action,  were laying a bad precedent and urged Nigerians to condemn it.

He also said that no form of protest could force anybody in the federal parliament to resign his position because they were not the people who elected them in the first instance.

He explained that the call for the return of the vehicles was unnecessary because they were meant for the senators to carry out their various committee works and remained the property of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, a youth activist and Senior Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Mr Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere was yesterday arrested and detained by the Department of State Security (DSS) over his alleged anti-government stance.

According to a statement by his family members, the youth activist was said to be having a running battle with the minister of sports Solomon Dalong, who allegedly petitioned the DSS.

In a statement yesterday Obinna Ikeagwuonu disclosed they were informed of Ugochinyerei arrest and detention.

Ikenga is also the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.