Is It Time To Occupy The National Assembly Until…, By Ilesami omabomi
Given the nuisance, sources of irritation and disrespect that Nigerian politicians have constituted themselves into, coupled with the palpable anger in the land over worsening economic conditions, I believe the time has come for a systematic people-oriented approach to subject our public officials to the authority of the people as envisioned by the 1999 Constitution.
The national Assembly is not the only instruction that is corrupt in Nigeria but the critical position occupied by the institution in our fledging democracy requires that it be subjected to stringent examination. Consequently, I am inviting my fellow Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to open a debate as to the urgency of occupying the National Assembly and keeping the lawmakers in the building until we get the following:
Full and absolute disclosure of the salaries and benefits earned by each lawmaker. The records should go back to 1999 and include every lawmaker that ever served in the institution.
Full and absolute disclosure of the Assets Declaration form of every lawmaker since 1999.
Full and absolute disclosure of the institutions budget since 1999 with every item broken down to at least N1m.
Any law preventing the National Assembly from providing the required information should be amended while they are barricaded in there. Excuses will not be accepted
As mentioned earlier the National Assembly is not the only corrupt institution in Nigeria. Their colleagues at the state level are just as corrupt as those at the federal level. There is corruption in the Presidency and every Governor’s Office across the country. However, we must channel our energy properly to achieve maximum efficiency. We must start from the point where the message will be clearest and trickle-down effect maximized. Once the National Assembly meets our demands only suicidal lawmakers at local state level will continue resisting.
I propose that this peaceful occupation proceeds notwithstanding the following:
In the event that the Police receive information that the occupation or demonstrations will be “hijacked by unscrupulous elements to foment trouble,” the Police should do its job to fish out such elements, provide enough security for the demonstrators to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to demonstrations.
The occupation will continue until the demands are met. Promise to comply will not be accepted.
This invitation is for everyone who cares about this country, groaning under the current harsh economic conditions. This is our chance to reassert our authority over our politicians.
We are at liberty to remain, slaves of our politicians, if we chose to but do not sit down there thinking that the problem is for somebody else to solve. It is your problem and together we can solving by becoming an unstoppable hurricane. Remember:
“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims. They are accomplices”- George Orwell
