Former senator accuses lawmakers of surrendering oversight powers to the executive
Former senator Dino Melaye has given the 10th National Assembly 14 days to take steps to check President Bola Tinubu’s powers or face a mass protest in Abuja.
Melaye accused lawmakers of failing to provide effective oversight of the executive, alleging that the legislature had become subservient to the presidency.
He threatened to mobilise Nigerians for an “Occupy National Assembly” protest if the lawmakers failed to act within the stipulated period.
The former senator issued the ultimatum at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, where he addressed what he described as threats to democratic accountability under the Tinubu administration.
The event was titled “The 10th Assembly: The Pathway to Tinubu’s Lifetime Presidency”.
Melaye, who serves as deputy director-general for contact and mobilisation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, expressed concern about the relationship between the executive and the legislature.
He argued that the National Assembly should exercise its constitutional powers independently and hold the president accountable rather than allow the executive to dominate the legislative arm of government.
His threat of mass protest raises the prospect of a fresh confrontation over the role of the legislature and the limits of presidential power.
Under Nigeria’s constitutional system, the National Assembly is responsible for making laws and exercising oversight over the executive, including scrutinising government activities and public spending.
Melaye’s 14-day ultimatum places pressure on lawmakers to demonstrate their independence, although it remains unclear what specific actions he expects the legislature to take within that period.
The National Assembly and the presidency had not been quoted responding to the ultimatum in the information available for this report.
Further developments are expected as the deadline approaches.
