Kwara speaker decries attack on senate, doubts elections in 2019

Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ahmad Ali, has expressed doubts over the possibility of conducting credible elections in 2019, citing yesterday’s ugly scenario at the National Assembly.

Ali, who spoke with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, in the aftermath of the Senate’s invasion by men of the Department of State Services (DSS), said Nigerians should rise to the occasion, while government should ensure that everyone involved in the invasion is brought to book.

He tasked the lawmakers to mobilise the required number if they desire to remove the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, or wait until the Senate reconvenes to test their strength.

His words: “It is good the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has risen to the occasion. This is the time for every Nigerian to start talking about the political situation in the country in the interest of democracy.

“It is not until Nigeria’s democracy crumbles that individuals and groups will start condemning the situation. We should stop this gradual desecration of our country’s democracy.

“I am from Kwara State and as Speaker of the state House of Assembly, I love Saraki. But I will still say that even if another person is involved. If you want to sack Saraki, go and get the number required by law or you reconvene properly, but it should not be done by force. Ali said so many lawmakers and even All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the National Assembly condemned the disgrace and embarrassment at the National Assembly.

He charged Nigerians to stand up to the occasion, as silence was no longer golden, adding: “We can resolve the issues ourselves. You don’t need foreign government to resolve them for us. We should reject interference it in its entirety.”

He also urged Osinbajo to take disciplinary action against everyone that was privy to the issue, adding that he could use the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to unravel those involved.

“This is not about Saraki. The proper thing to do is to follow due process and abide by the rules. My fear is whether or not we will be able to hold credible elections in 2019,” he stated.