By: Daure David
The Citizens’ Solution Network (CSN) has issued a press statement calling for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the controversial claims surrounding the recent voting process in the Nigerian National Assembly. The organization seeks to address growing doubts and suspicions regarding the legitimacy of the votes cast in both the lower and upper chambers.
According to the CSN, millions of Nigerians from across the country have expressed concerns about whether the individuals who participated in the alleged voice voting were indeed current, duly elected members of the National Assembly or if unknown individuals were brought in to manipulate the process. The CSN is calling for a thorough investigation into the identities of the individuals present during the voting and their true affiliation with the legislative bodies.
The Commission, as outlined in the CSN’s statement, will consist of prominent civil rights activists, journalists, constitutional lawyers, student leaders, trade unionists, and forensic scientists. Its primary mandate will be to conduct a first-hand inquiry into the authenticity of the voting process and investigate the conditions leading up to the vote. Key questions surrounding potential bribery before, during, or after the vote will also be explored.
In addition, the Commission will examine whether the voice voting process adhered to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, specifically the 1999 Constitution as amended. CSN has expressed concern over whether the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President followed constitutional protocols during the plenary session in which the vote took place.
Furthermore, the CSN will probe the actions of President Bola A. Tinubu, particularly his declaration of a state of emergency and the deployment of troops towards the River State Government House before the National Assembly had a chance to deliberate on the matter. The CSN is questioning whether the president’s actions were in line with constitutional requirements or if they constituted a breach of the law.
The outcomes of the Commission’s investigation, according to CSN, will have significant implications for the country’s political future. The findings could potentially affect citizens’ rights and their ability to hold government authorities accountable for any violations of the Constitution.
In a call for public participation, the Citizens’ Solution Network has urged notable figures from the civil rights, journalism, legal, student, trade union, and forensic fields to submit their names and contact details via WhatsApp at 08067212340 for consideration in the formation of the Commission.
CSN has stressed that this initiative is independent of any governmental influence and is solely driven by citizens’ concerns for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
For more information, contact: Richard Inoyo
Country Director, Citizens’ Solution Network
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