File photo: Senate President Bukola Saraki
Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday addressed a World Press Conference at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The Senate President reacted to the blockade of the National Assembly complex by some security operatives who denied some lawmakers and workers at the complex entrance into their offices.
He condemned the action of the security operatives and described it as “a show of shame and an assault on the nation’s parliament.” Saraki also noted that he is expressing concern about the action of the security operatives not only because of the legislative arm of government but because of the concern for the soul of Nigeria.
Read more of the things he said below…
Show of Shame
The ensuing standoff was a show of shame that played itself out over several hours in full view of the country. In no circumstances should this have happened. And we as a nation reaped the bitter fruits instantaneously, as evident in media images relayed around the world, images that shame us as a democratic nation.
An Act of Cowardice
The siege was also an act of cowardice by those seeking to carry out an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate in flagrant disregard of the law.
Threat To Our Lives
This is most disheartening. Despite the threat to our lives, we shall continue to fight impunity and injustice in this country.
An Assault Of The Legislature
An assault on the legislature is an assault on the people of Nigeria. The forcible shutdown of the legislature was an unconscionable assault on a national institution.
This Is Not About Us, This Is About The Soul Of Nigeria
5. We have to say that this is not about us – Abubakar Bukola Saraki or Yakubu Dogara as an individual. It is not about Ike Ekweremadu, nor is it about Yusuf Lasun. We are speaking for my colleagues when I say that this is about the soul of Nigeria, what we represent as a country, (people) and our standing in the comity of nations.
The Rule Of Law Shall Always Prevail
6. They attempted to execute an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate without the backing of the law, but they faltered. The rule of law shall always prevail.
Honourable Boma Goodhead, Stands Out
Honourable Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives, stands out. She looked a masked security operative in the eye and dared him to shoot. It was another pointer to what is possible in this country when women take their place in leadership.
Acting Vice-President Restored Confidence
8. The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s decisive action went a long way towards restoring confidence and the image of our country.
Call For An Investigation
Very serious questions remain that can only be answered by a full investigation. We call for an investigation, and we demand that all perpetrators are brought to book.
The post This Is Not About Us: 9 Things Saraki Said About National Assembly Blockade appeared first on Channels Television.
This Is Not About Us: 9 Things Saraki Said About National Assembly Blockade
