Former senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district in the National Assembly, Mr Dino Melaye, says the lockdown orders of some states made by President Muhammadu Buhari is outside his constitutional powers.
The president in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, restricted movements in Abuja, Ogun and Lagos State for 14 days due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.
However, in a series of tweets on his official Twitter page on Sunday night, Mr. Melaye said the power to restrict movement in any state lies with approval of the State House of Assembly.
He added that the president acted outside his powers to restrict the movement of Nigerians without the approval of the National Assembly.
The former law maker tweeted, “You will recall that I had a broadcast one week ago asking 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 without d express approval of d State House of Assembly. In the Presidential broadcast today, the President did not invoke his power of Emergency as prescribed by S.305 of d 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 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.”
