A group has stormed the National Assembly to show support and solidarity for the legislature, calling on all Nigerians to do same.
Some Nigerian Senators
Hundreds of protesters, on Tuesday, besieged the main gate of the National Assembly to demand an end to “blackmail and propaganda” against the legislature.
The protesters were seen dancing to music from loudspeakers that accompanied their procession.
The President, Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Mr. Etuk Williams, who led the protesters, passed a vote of confidence on the National Assembly.
He said, “We are here to speak against incessant blackmail and propaganda against people in public places, especially the National Assembly. We observed very recently that the image and integrity of the National Assembly have been dented by unscrupulous elements who peddle rumours and propaganda, especially blackmail, against members of the National Assembly.
“First on the line was the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, followed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. It was also followed by Senator Dino Melaye when it was rumoured that he never went to school and the latest of it is Senator Andy Uba.
“I want to say this very quickly that we have written to the school concerned abroad, California State University and we can confirm to every Nigerian and the international community that the response we got from the institution was very clear and very straightforward; that Senator Andy Uba graduated from that institution; a fact that needs to be noted; a fact that needs to be shared among all Nigerians. Blackmailers should desist from further blackmail. Enough is enough!”
Williams further said the National Assembly had its constitutional responsibility while urging the Senate President to inform security agencies to exercise their mandate “by arresting and prosecuting those who are behind the blackmail and their sponsors.”
He added, “The demonstration today is show of solidarity; a show of nationalism and, of course, a show of true ambassadors of the Federal Republic.
“Nigerians are hungry and from the information, we gathered, we know and we are quite aware that National Assembly will pass the budget this week, and we are very hopeful.”