Attempt to remove Jega will spark violence in Nigeria – Reps

The House of Representatives on Tuesday strongly kicked against the purported plans by the Federal Government to remove the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega before the March 28 general elections.
The lawmakers also warned that any attempt to oust Jega or further extend the dates would spark violence across the nation.
They also told the Federal Government and security agencies not to take the warnings by eminent Nigerians and groups, both on the international and local scenes for granted.

 

The lawmakers adopted the resolution following a motion moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Ali Ahmad.
This resolution came after the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, at a separate session, warned that if Nigeria progresses in error, the military might likely take over.

Part of their resolution read, “Hold personally accountable at domestic judicial forum or at the International Court of Justice, any persons or organisations that foist on INEC any decision or action whatsoever, including unconstitutional attempt to remove the current INEC chairman, that has the effect of making it impracticable for elections to hold on 28th March and 11th April, 2015.”
Besides, members made it clear that removing the INEC chairman would be unconstitutional except if it secured the approval of two-thirds of the Senate, as prescribed in Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

 

“Such removal can only be achieved when two things happen, viz, (a) his inability to discharge the functions of the office, or (b) for misconduct, as determined by two-thirds of the Senate,” the resolution added.
It was observed that some lawmakers on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the House made attempts to stop the motion but met brick walls.
The House Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Leo Ogor, had raised an objection on the grounds that the motion was “speculative” as there was no evidence suggesting that Jega was about to be removed.
“Nobody is interested in removing Jega; so, we can’t entertain such a speculative motion,” Ogor protested.

 

But, he was overruled by Tambuwal and the motion was passed in a majority voice vote.
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