Arogbonlo Israel
The former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye on Sunday, said President Muhammadu Buhari has no democratic right to take over affairs of States without the express approval of the Senate.
The former lawmaker made this statement on his official Facebook handle following the live Presidential broadcast of the No. 1 citizen earlier today, 29th March 2020 where the latter was quoted to have ordered the restriction of movement in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun.
“You will recall that I had a broadcast one week ago asking the for the lockdown of Abuja and Lagos. This buttresses the fact that I support measures to contain the Coronavirus pandemic but, it must be done in accordance with the law, ” Melaye said.
“Nigeria is practicing constitutional Democracy and it is an absurdity for the President to take over the affairs of any state of the federation without the express approval of the State House of Assembly, ” he added.
On the Presidential broadcast, the Senator said; “In the Presidential broadcast today, the President did not invoke his power of Emergency as prescribed by S.305 of the Constitution of Nigeria and even if invoked, it must be with the approval of the National Assembly.
“The President acted outside his powers to restrict movement without approval of the National Assembly. I therefore advise Mr President to take appropriate constitutional steps and do the needful quickly as we need the lockdown.
“This is a very important decision but must be done in line with all democratic norms. God bless Nigeria as i pray for Divine intervention from God Almighty. Only Him can rescue us.”
