Turmoil in the National Assembly: A Year of Contention and Conflict

Strategic Insights -

The National Assembly of Nigeria faced a year of intense politicking and controversy in 2014. The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was embroiled in disputes with the executive branch of government, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan. The year was marked by a series of dramatic events, including a police siege on the National Assembly, mass failures in the primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Tambuwal's defection to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). The turmoil in the Assembly was characterized by allegations of corruption, constitutional breaches, and a breakdown in relations between lawmakers and the executive.

Key Takeaways:

  • The year began with a dramatic police siege on the National Assembly on November 20, 2014, as security agents attempted to prevent Speaker Tambuwal from entering the Assembly.
  • The siege was met with resistance from lawmakers, who were forced to scale a metal gate to gain access to the chambers.
  • The incident led to a breakdown in relations between the executive and the legislative branch, with President Jonathan accused of constitutional breaches.
  • Tambuwal's defection to the APC from the PDP in October 2014 put the opposition party in the leadership of the House, marking a significant shift in the balance of power.
  • The House faced allegations of corruption, particularly in relation to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which was stalled due to opposition from the executive branch.
  • The Assembly also engaged in a Constitutional Review process, proposing 71 amendments to the Nigerian Constitution.
  • The House of Representatives faced a mass failure of incumbents in the primaries of the ruling PDP, with over 150 lawmakers losing their seats.
  • The Assembly signalled its intention to appeal a court order that set aside its invitation of the Petroleum Minister, Deziani Alison-Madueke, to testify before the House.

Statistics:

  • 71 proposed constitutional amendments were approved by the House.
  • Over 150 lawmakers faced defeat in the primaries of the PDP.
  • 20, 2014, marked the date of the police siege on the National Assembly.
  • The House gave a 21-day ultimatum to the Hon. Ishaka Bawa-led Adhoc committee on PIB to submit the Petroleum Industry Bill report.
  • The Nigerian Constitution has 360 articles and 18 schedule as of 2014.

Sources:

  • Leadership Newspaper
  • AllAfrica Global Media
  • Nigerian Constitution