Abuja — Tension flared at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday as former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, engaged police officers in a heated exchange during a protest over electoral reforms.
Amaechi, who joined scores of demonstrators at the National Assembly, was seen confronting security operatives as the protest gathered momentum. The former governor took part in the demonstration to press for the real-time electronic transmission of election results, an issue that has sparked widespread public criticism following the Senate’s rejection of the proposal in the ongoing electoral reform process.
The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” attracted Nigerian youths and civil groups who converged on Abuja to express dissatisfaction with what they described as a setback to credible elections and democratic transparency.
Protesters insisted that the rejection of e-transmission of results undermines electoral integrity and weakens public confidence in the democratic process. They called on lawmakers to urgently revisit the proposal in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The demonstration follows increasing national pressure on the National Assembly to reconsider its position, as debates around electoral credibility continue to dominate public discourse.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, had earlier joined the protesters in solidarity with the demand for comprehensive electoral reforms, further amplifying calls for change.
Security presence remained heavy around the National Assembly complex as authorities monitored the situation to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Margaret ABAH
