From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Coalition of Former Nigerian Lawmakers (CoFoNiL), has described as “patriotic move to save democracy”, the protest by some Lawyers to National Assembly, Abuja, recently, calling on the House of Representatives to take-over Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.
According to the Coalition, made up of former Lawmakers in both Federal and State levels, the protest was timely and within the ambit of law, describing the Lawyers as “heroes of democracy who meant well for the country”.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson, Rt. Hon. Dapo Olowolagba, the Coalition said the Lawyers had done exactly what was expected of anyone who is learned about the constitutionalism of Nigeria and who is equally patriotic about the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria, as embedded in the Coat of Arms.
“Section 11(4) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended), allows the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of any state whose House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions.
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“The same Constitution also empowers the National Assembly to summon Governors and any other state actors amongst the sub-nationals. It is not to dabble into the internal activities of the state, but to use its constitutional powers to intervene where there are issues that portray the tendencies of breakdown of law and order.
“We did it during the 3rd Assembly, when the National Assembly summoned the then Governor of Benue State, and he obliged. When the issues raised were straightened, he was asked to take a bow and go”, Olowolagba said.
He stressed further that, Benue and Zamfara States were on the pedestal that would precipitate a call for a state of emergency, if urgent constitutional action was not taken by the National Assembly, as canvassed by the Lawyers.
“We all witnessed what happened in Rivers State in March. The case of Zamfara and Benue is not different. The only difference is that, the President has not wielded the big stick yet. The two states had all the time to mend walls, reinstate the Assembly Members that were unconstitutionally suspended, unite the Assemblies and get down to proper legislative business.
