A civil society organisation, Citizens’ Solution Network, has called for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of voting irregularities in the Lower and Upper Chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly.
This Commission, comprising prominent civil rights activists, journalists, constitutional lawyers, student leaders, trade unionists, and forensic scientists, will be tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the nature and authenticity of the identities of individuals who were reportedly present in the chambers during the alleged voting process.
Millions of Nigerians across the country have expressed doubts and concerns to the organisation’s representatives in various cities and towns, questioning whether those who participated in and supported the voice vote were indeed current serving senators and members of the House of Representatives, or if they were unidentified individuals brought into the chambers of National Assembly to vocally endorse the decision.
The Commission of Inquiry will also examine the circumstances leading up to the National Assembly voice vote to determine what transpired beforehand and to ascertain whether bribery or other forms of corruption occurred before, during, or after the voting process. The findings will be made public to inform Nigerians and the international community.
In a statement mailed to Chronicle NG, Richard Inoyo, Country Director of Citizens’ Solution Network, representing the Citizens’ Population Council and the Panel of Elderly Citizens, emphasised that the Commission will also investigate whether the voice vote contravened the Nigerian Constitution, rendering it null and void, or if it complied with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Additionally, the Commission will assess whether the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President (Presiding officers of the lower and upper chambers of the National Assembly) adhered to or violated constitutional provisions in their conduct and use of voice voting during the plenary session on a matter of significant national importance.
The inquiry will also address concerns regarding the declaration and swift implementation of a state of emergency by the President of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Tinubu, including the deployment of troops to Rivers State Government House and the swearing-in of a sole administrator, Mr. Ibokete Ibas, in Abuja, before the National Assembly could deliberate on the matter. The Commission will determine whether the President’s actions were constitutional or in breach of the law.
The findings of the Commission of Inquiry are expected to have profound implications for the nation’s political landscape, future governance, and citizens’ ability to mobilise and enforce their constitutional rights. If any authority is found to have undermined or violated the Constitution, this will be clearly documented and addressed.
The group called for nominations of prominent leaders from the following fields: civil rights activists, journalists, constitutional lawyers, student leaders, trade unionists, and forensic scientists. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their names and contact details via WhatsApp to 08067212340 for consideration as members of the Commission of Inquiry.
“It is important to note that this Commission of Inquiry is an entirely citizen-led initiative, with no affiliation or connection to the government”, Citizens’ Solution Network clarified.
