HURIWA berates National Assembly over silence on soaring insecurity

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has berated the National Assembly over silence on soaring insecurity in the country.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in a statement by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, asserted that “in a scathing critique of what it perceives as the National Assembly’s irresponsibility and insensitivity, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sharply rebuked the legislative body for its failure to promptly address the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, particularly, the recent surge in kidnappings in Abuja.”

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HURIWA chided the National Assembly over reluctance to resume its legislative duties following the Christmas break, a period marked by a breakdown of law and order and a surge in kidnappings. The group argued that the National Assembly’s inaction during such a critical time reflected a dereliction of its constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people.

HURIWA, in a statement, underscored Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which explicitly designates the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government.

The organization contended that the failure in these areas undermines the entire purpose of government, emphasizing the paramount importance of these duties.

The group maintained that “the adjective ‘primary’ in the constitutional provision emphasizes the paramount importance of these duties, suggesting that the failure in these areas undermines the entire purpose of government.

HURIWA, accordingly, declared: “The National Assembly, vested with the power to enact laws and address pressing issues affecting the nation, has failed to fulfill 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.”

Moreover, HURIWA argued that the National Assembly’s apparent disarray and inaction necessitate a response from the citizens. The organization 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.

According to HURIWA, “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 ninety days.”

HURIWA, therefore, called on citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and actively participate in the recall process, emphasizing that the National Assembly’s failure to address security challenges and resume legislative duties is “a breach of trust requiring a strong response from the electorate”.

Describing the current state of the National Assembly as one of disarray and slumber, 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.

HURIWA concluded by underscoring the urgency of addressing the breakdown of law and order, emphasizing that the citizens’ call for accountability through the recall process is a powerful tool in a democratic society.

The organization urged the Independent National Electoral Commission not to impede the recall process, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring that citizens can exercise their constitutional rights without hindrance.

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“In the face of a national crisis, this call for a citizen-driven recall serves as a strong indictment of the National Assembly’s perceived failure to meet its constitutional obligations, particularly regarding the security and welfare of the Nigerian people,” the group stated.