Buhari Does Not Have The Jurisdiction On Lockdown Orders – Melaye

The former lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Dino Melaye, has spoken on the statement of President Muhammadu Buhari‘s nationwide broadcast.

Recall that the President in his speech on Sunday placed 14 days ban on all movements within Abuja and Lagos State due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak across the world.

Melaye who took to his Twitter account to react to the statement noted that it was wrong for President Buhari to take over the affairs of any State without the express approval of the State House of Assembly.

The former lawmaker further stated that Buhari acted outside his powers to restrict the movement of Nigerians without the approval of the National Assembly.

He wrote: “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 practising 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 the 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 also pray for divine intervention from God Almighty. Only Him can rescue us.”