Rights activists fault NASS over silence on insecurity
HURIWA urges citizens to recall reps
HUMAN Rights Writers Association of Nigeria ( HURIWA) has flayed the National Assembly over alleged failure to address escalating insecurity in the nation, particularly the recent surge in kidnappings in Abuja.
At the heart of HURIWA’S criticism is the National Assembly’s reluctance to resume legislative duties after the Christmas break, a period that recorded a breakdown of law and order and a surge in kidnappings.
The advocacy group argued that the National Assembly’s inaction during such a critical time reflects a dereliction of its constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people.
In a statement issued, yesterday, HURIWA underscored Section 14( 2) ( b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which designates the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government.
The organisation contended that the failure in these areas undermines the entire purpose of government, emphasising the importance of these duties.
The statement reads: “The adjective, primary in the constitutional provision, emphasises the paramount importance of these duties, suggesting that the failure in these areas undermines the entire purpose of government.
“The National Assembly, vested with the power to enact laws and address pressing issues affecting the nation, has failed to fulfil its mandate in the face of a rising wave of kidnappings and general insecurity. We condemn the Assembly’s decision to extend its break while the nation grapples with a security crisis,” HURIWA stated.
It further argued that the National Assembly’s apparent inaction would necessitate a response from the citizens. The organisation urged people to initiate the recall process for their respective representatives, citing Section 110 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the legal basis for such action.
HURIWA stated: “Section 110 provides a clear path for the recall of a House of Assembly member if a petition, signed by more than one- half of the registered voters in the member’s constituency, alleges a loss of confidence. The petition must then be approved by a simple majority in a referendum conducted by INEC within 90 days.”
Describing the current state of the National Assembly as one of disarray, HURIWA contended that initiating the recall process is the most effective means for citizens to hold their representatives accountable for the perceived legislative negligence and disregard for pressing security concerns.