It came to us as a rude shock the announcement made on January 23, 2021 indicating that the National Assembly had postponed its earlier scheduled resumption of plenary from 26th January 2021 to a new date of February 9, 2021.
That the Management of the NASS postponed its plenary resumption is not a problem, but the reason adduced for the postponed was as shocking as it is uncalled for.
The postponement of the plenary session of the two Chambers of the National Assembly to enable members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) participate in their parties membership drive can best be described as an irresponsible arrest of our democracy.
It is unheard of that the National Assembly which by the way is composed of members from different political parties would pause its constitutionally guaranteed national assignment to enable the ruling party enroll new members in their party.
The decision of the National Assembly management is an affront on our multi-party democracy, unconstitutional and a subtle ploy to railroading Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship.
It is also very unfortunate that members of the National Assembly who were elected by Nigerians and who also swore to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have obviously abdicated their responsibility and abandoned the constitution and the people at the most critical time when leaders all over the world are searching for solution to the problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is also very unfortunate, disheartening and sad that the Minority Caucus of the National Assembly has cowered and as well abdicated its responsibility to protect the interest of Nigerians by keeping quiet in the face of the affront to the duties of the National Assembly.
We therefore call on the management of the National Assembly to immediately reverse the decision and apologise to Nigerians for the misadventure.
The affairs of the APC or any other party for that matter are their private affair and should never be muddled with the responsibilities of the National Assembly.
The leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly should also apologize to Nigerians for riding roughshod on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sunny Anderson Osiebe is the Executive Director,HallowMace Foundation
