Reps, Obi Decry Use Of Tear Gas On Protesters At National Assembly Entrance

The House of Representatives has said it will take up what it described as alleged use of tear gas on protesters at the National Assembly with relevant authorities.

Spokesman for the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi, in a statement yesterday said the Green Chamber would also cause a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the alleged incident.

Similarly, former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the teargassing of peaceful protesters demanding credible elections, warning that such actions could further damage democratic integrity in Nigeria.

In a statement on X, Obi expressed concern that citizens, carrying out what he described as constitutionally protected civic duties, were dispersed by security operatives while calling for electoral reforms.

LEADERSHIP reports that personnel of Nigeria Police Force threw canisters of teargas at protesters at the National Assembly main entrance.

Trouble started when some protesters who besieged the National Assembly to express their grievances against Senate’s approval of both electronic transmission and manual collation of election results tried to forcefully gain entrance in the building.

It led to pandemonium as the protesters in their hundreds, especially women who were scampering for safety, fell on one after the other.

LEADERSHIP observed that two women of about 50 and 22 years each fainted as a result of the tear gas inhalation just as its Correspondents suffered severe eye pain and other irritations as a result of exposure to dangerous substances.

The House spokesman expressed worry over the incident, saying the House recognised that the right to peaceful and lawful assembly is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The House of Representatives has received with concern reports regarding the alleged use of tear gas against protesters who assembled at the National Assembly to express their views on a number of topical national issues currently before the Parliament.

“The House unequivocally recognises that the right to peaceful and lawful assembly is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). This right remains a fundamental pillar of democratic governance and an essential mechanism through which citizens participate in the legislative process.

“While acknowledging the constitutional responsibility of security agencies to maintain law and order, as well as to safeguard lives and property within and around the National Assembly Complex, the House emphasises that such responsibilities must always be discharged with professionalism, restraint, and full respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.

“In light of the seriousness of the reports received, the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs will take up the matter with relevant authorities and cause a thorough review of the circumstances that led to the alleged incident. Where necessary, appropriate steps will be taken in line with the oversight mandate of the House to ensure accountability and to prevent any recurrence.

“The House of Representatives remains firmly committed to being the People’s House not only in word but in action. Our doors remain open to Nigerians who choose to engage the Parliament peacefully and lawfully on matters of national importance.

“At the same time, we encourage all protesters to remain within the ambit of the law and to avoid any form of incitement, provocation, or conduct capable of escalating tensions. We must collectively strengthen the culture of civil protest in our democracy, ensuring that the exercise of rights is matched by a shared commitment to order, responsibility, and mutual respect.

“Constructive civic engagement strengthens our democracy, and the House will continue to promote an environment where citizens can express their views responsibly, safely, and within the bounds of the law,”the statement reads.

Obi, on his part, said, “Today, in our beloved country, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation.”

The former Anambra State governor said the development portrays the country negatively on the global stage and raises questions about the commitment of political actors to democratic principles.

According to him, “Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance.”

Obi urged citizens to remain united in resisting actions capable of weakening the nation’s democratic system, stressing the need to safeguard the country’s collective future.

He specifically called for the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening transparency and public confidence in elections.

“We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections,” he stated.

The former governor maintained that credible elections remain fundamental to justice, good governance and sustainable national development, adding that Nigerians must remain steadfast in the pursuit of electoral reforms.

Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged dispersal of the protesters as of the time of filing this report.