Politics
House in rowdy session over declaration of June 12 as new Democracy Day
The House of Representatives was on Thursday thrown into a rowdy session as members disagreed with the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari declaring June 12 as the new day for celebration of Democracy Day in Nigeria.
While some of the lawmakers supported the move, and that it is in order, some of their colleagues kicked against it, arguing, among other things, that due process was not followed.
The Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara has a Herculean task trying to restore order, for plenary to continue, as the rowdiness continued for over 20 minutes.
Buhari had on Wednesday made an executive declaration, announcing June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
He also announced that the federal government is to honour the late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, with the highest award in the country— Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, Nicholas Ossai (Delta State) said Buhari’s announcement of the new public holiday on Wednesday rather than on May 29 was “with bad intent.”
According to him, only the National Assembly is empowered to set new dates for public holidays.
“Public holiday is derived from the national assembly act and not from executive declaration.
Read Also: There’ll be ‘war’ if any attempt is made to impeach Buhari — Hon Kazaure
“This honour is to be given to the president or former presidents who are still alive.
“Two weeks ago, we celebrated our great feat as a nation, our Democracy Day. The executive never thought it wise to declare it on that day. What is the difference between now and one week ago, it is an act of discrimination.
“What happens to the public funds used in celebrating Democracy Day weeks ago? They must be accounted for. Why didn’t the president announce it on that day”, he queried.
But he was interrupted with cries of “sit down” from some of the lawmakers, leading to a rowdy session.
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