A group, Citizen United for Peace and Stability today (Tuesday. April 26) led the occupation of the National Assembly, Abuja in protest of the many allegations of corruption against the legislature and its leadership.
The protesters demanded the immediate resignation of Senate President Bukola Saraki who is facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for an alleged false declaration of assets. The protesters also demanded that the senators return the 36 SUVs they recently purchased.
The protesters who marched from the Unity fountain arrived the main entrance of the National Assembly around 11: am, forcing the security personnel at the National Assembly to lock the main gate. They hoisted Nigeria’s flag with varying placards that read: “Saraki must go”, “Enough is enough”, “Nigerians Rise Up”, among others.
There have been mixed reactions to the development, however. While some supported the protesters for their courage and encouraged them to do more, others alleged that they were a rented crowd, merely pursuing their daily bread.
Read reactions below:
Don’t join the shenanigans going in at NASS in the name of #OccupyNass it is a money making machine for a few smart crooks…
— The Godfather (@Ayourb) April 26, 2016
Everything was alright about #OccupyNASS by @CUPS_Nigeria until the fund raising and this budget. pic.twitter.com/R2Yap0m24Y
— Adeola (@Adeola0503) April 26, 2016
At this dire time I think the most appropriate place for Nigerians to occupy is Aso rock & not #OccupyNASS, no light, no water,fuel scarcity
— Saka Olawale (@wagzie01) April 26, 2016
I have never been this happy with Nigerian youths until #OccupyNASS protest.
— Fulani pikin v7.11 (@Fulani_pikin) April 26, 2016
Why are we not #OccupyNASS on the entire NASS to slash their pay? This protest is not genuine!
— OlanrewajuBraveH™ (@lireimtlz) April 26, 2016
Stupidity is when you buy fuel for #200 per litre after a whole day queue & you have the courage to drive it to #OccupyNASS Cc @JimohAkanbi1
— Yusuf Alabere (@yusufalabere) April 26, 2016
Dis whole #OccupyNASS and #SaveourNASS protests looks all arranged but any sensible Nigerian will support the #OccupyNASS movement
— D King (@Kiiingsley) April 26, 2016
#OccupyNASS is a public advocacy tag that Anti-Saraki people have now messed up for politics because of this mockery I call #CCTMockTrial.
— GOD Bless Nigeria (@AriyoAristotle) April 26, 2016
you cant spend money anyhow in this economy and dnt expect people to rise up #OccupyNASS
— GCFR (@Real_Nsikakowo) April 26, 2016
Whoever paid dis RATS and PIGS to #OccupyNASS shud go and collect his money back o…. Its a failure. Nigerians r wiser now.
— Arsenal4Lyf (@Oreofeloju) April 26, 2016
Just like #IstandWithBuhari, #OccupyNASS is being ridiculed by fellow APC Erats.
Money MUST bring confusion ????????????. pic.twitter.com/ooouAfAXOo
— Jojo A. (@Heir_2D_Throne) April 26, 2016
I’ve no problem people collecting money to do protest to support this charade #CCTMockTrial, but don’t hide under #OccupyNASS & cajole us.
— GOD Bless Nigeria (@AriyoAristotle) April 26, 2016
#OccupyNASS is another scam like #IStandWithBuhari from APC… It won’t last long.
— Arsenal4Lyf (@Oreofeloju) April 26, 2016
Just last week I heard Saraki on the news saying that people were being mobilized to protest against him and today we have #OccupyNASS
— Philip Asuquo (@PhilAsuquOtes) April 26, 2016
#occupyNass protest going on right now NO 1 on d agenda is #sarakiMUSTGO
— John A Nwankwo APC (@AlozieNwankwo) April 26, 2016
Only in Nigeria will people be protesting for monetary gains,most of the protesters dont even know why they are protesting #OccupyNASS
— Saka Olawale (@wagzie01) April 26, 2016
Fuel scarcity
No electricity#fulaniherdsmen killingsWith all these & more, U didn’t #OccupyAsoRock but want 2 #OccupyNASS?
Wow!|@Osekita
— Jojo A. (@Heir_2D_Throne) April 26, 2016
Before you #OccupyNASS ask yourself is the NASS responsible for padded budget fuel scarcity fulani herdsmen killings
— Rogers harison (@rogersharison) April 26, 2016
Like #IStandWithBuhari, #OccupyNASS is a conduit pipe for APC ‘overlords’ like @AishaYesufu to be compensated.
Don’t be deceived!|@Osekita
— Jojo A. (@Heir_2D_Throne) April 26, 2016
- DanielFayemi for encomium.ng