Buhari's Broadcast: You have no powers to take over states' affairs ------------------ Dino Melaye tells Buhari


By James Ameh

Former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye has said that President Muhammadu Buhari had no powers to take over the affairs of Nigerian states without Senate's approval.

Melaye spoke Sunday, against the backdrop of President Buhari's broadcast, putting Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states on lockdown. 

The former lawmaker made this known through his official Facebook handle.

Buhari had ordered in a broadcast earlier Sunday the restriction of movements in the two states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. 

Melaye said, "You will recall that I had a week ago asked 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 of the federation without the express approval of the state House of Assembly.

"In the Presidential broadcast today, the President did not invoke his power of emergency as prescribed by Section 305 of the 1999 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 the 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."