Following President Muhammadu Buhari Broadcast To The People Of Nigeria on Sunday 29th Match 2020, that saw the lockdown of Abuja, Lagos and Ogun State, Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye in the then 8th National Assembly has reacted this way.
Let us read his apt reaction:
\” 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.
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.
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.
Senator Dino MELAYE\”
