The House of Representatives has apologised to protesters who were affected by the use of tear gas at the National Assembly earlier this week, describing the incident as unfortunate and assuring that it is being reviewed.
The apology was conveyed by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, during a press briefing in Abuja focused on the Electoral Act recently signed into law by Bola Tinubu.
The event was organised by The Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa in partnership with International Press Centre, TAF Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and ElectHer.
The Nigeria Police Force had faced strong criticism after officers fired tear gas at demonstrators who returned to the National Assembly complex on Tuesday. The protesters were demanding the compulsory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
The demonstration resumed after a five-day pause, following assurances reportedly given to the protesters during the previous week’s sitting.
Expressing sympathy, Rotimi said, “I would like to express my sympathy with all those who were affected by the tear gas incident at the National Assembly the other day. It’s something that the House of Representatives’ media and public affairs is taking up. It should never have happened.”
He emphasised that citizens have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, adding that the circumstances that led to the incident are being examined.
While reaffirming support for peaceful protests, he cautioned organisers to guard against infiltration by disruptive elements seeking to incite disorder.
Rotimi also defended the National Assembly’s handling of the Electoral Act review, insisting that lawmakers acted in good faith and followed constitutional procedures. He maintained that civil society organisations were actively involved throughout the review of the 2022 Act and the recent 2026 amendment.
Although acknowledging dissatisfaction among some stakeholders, he stressed that due process was observed at every stage, in line with constitutional provisions and the rules of both chambers.
He described democratisation as an evolving process and noted that the law could still be amended in the future if necessary.
Urging Nigerians to maintain confidence in the legislature, Rotimi said the Act, though possibly imperfect, was passed in the country’s best interest and should be used to ensure credible elections.
On calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a nationwide simulation of its results transmission system, he said the House welcomed the proposal. He also supported the prompt publication of the newly signed Electoral Act to promote transparency and public awareness, noting that the process would be guided by the Authentication Act through the Clerk to the National Assembly and the government printer.
Acknowledging declining public trust in government institutions, particularly the legislature, Rotimi assured that efforts would continue to rebuild confidence.
The conference was part of ongoing post-legislative engagement between lawmakers and civil society groups following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026, which has sparked intense debate over electronic transmission of results and other contentious provisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Post A Comment: