Coronavirus: ‘PMB Acted Outside his Powers’ – Senator Dino Melaye

Former Senator Dino Melaye has stated that it’s absurd for President Muhammadu Buhari to take over the affairs of a State without the approval of the State House of Assembly.

This was made known after the presidential broadcast done on Sunday evening at Aso Rock. He stated that Nigeria practises a constitutional democracy and the constitution should never be neglected at any point.

His Tweet reads, ” 1)You will recall that i had a broadcast one week ago asking the 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

2)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”

“3)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

4)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.

Senator Dino MELAYE”

Recall that the President did a national broadcast to douse the fear of Nigerians who thought he has been infected with the deadly Coronavirus.