Protest At National Assembly Over Electoral Act

A Group, The New Nigerian Project Has Protested Against The Proposed Passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2010 on Tuesday.



The protesters came out before 9 am and started marching towards the entrance.


National Assembly security however mobilized policemen and State Security Service operatives to prevent the protesters from marching across the gates into the complex.

The security personnel blocked the main entrance to the complex, forcing the legislators to use the gate behind the National Assembly, and had to go through the Presidential gate.

President of the Senate, David Mark, was also caught in the fray. He tried to use the Presidential gate, but met an impediment as he was not allowed to drive through the gate with his convoy.

He immediately alighted from his car and walked his way through the back gate of
the National Assembly into the chambers.

The protesters continued to insist on gaining access into the complex, brandishing placards with inscription, "No, National Assembly, No," "We cannot have appointed delegates."

Coordinator of the group, Abdullahi Maibirgi, said they were in the National Assembly to reject the attempt by members of the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act.

He said, "There is nothing wrong with the existing Act. Why are they amending it now? This is against the spirit of democracy."

He said that the National Assembly in fragrant disregard to the yearnings and aspirations of most Nigerians introduced obnoxious and self-serving sections that had the potential of derailing the little gains of democracy in Nigeria.

One could not imagine how callous a human heart can be,how did they even come by this idea?.