On Tuesday, the House of Representatives promised a comprehensive investigation of the event and stated that it would discuss the suspected deployment of tear gas on demonstrators at the National Assembly complex with the appropriate authorities.
This was revealed in a statement by House Spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi, who voiced worry over allegations that security personnel had scattered protesters who had assembled to voice their opinions on pending election reforms.
According to Rotimi, the Green Chamber acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
He stated, “Reports of the alleged use of tear gas against demonstrators who gathered at the National Assembly to voice their opinions on a number of pressing national issues currently before the Parliament have been received with concern by the House of Representatives.”
The House categorically acknowledges that the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to peaceful and lawful assembly. This right is still a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital way for people to get involved in the legislative process.
Rotimi emphasized that security agencies have an obligation to uphold law and order and safeguard people and property, but that these duties must be exercised responsibly.
Such duties must always be carried out professionally, responsibly, and with the utmost respect for citizens’ fundamental rights,” he said.
He went on to say that the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs would consult with the appropriate authorities and make sure that the incident’s circumstances were reviewed.
In accordance with the House’s oversight mandate, “where necessary, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure accountability and to prevent any recurrence,” he stated.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the House was still “the People’s House” and urged demonstrators to follow the law and refrain from taking any activities that would cause tensions to rise.
According to reports, trouble started when some demonstrators tried to enter the National Assembly building after gathering to voice their displeasure with the Senate’s ratification of electronic transmission in addition to manual result collation.
Tear gas canisters were reportedly thrown at the crowd by security guards, inciting panic. Some protestors, especially women, fell while attempting to flee, according to witnesses.
Journalists covering the protest reported breathing difficulties and eye irritation, while two ladies reportedly fainted after being exposed to the tear gas.
Obi Denounces the Behavior
Former presidential contender Peter Obi, meanwhile, denounced the use of tear gas on what he called nonviolent demonstrators calling for fair elections.
“Today, in our beloved country, innocent 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,” Obi wrote in a statement posted to his verified 𝕏 handle.
He cautioned that such acts would further harm Nigeria’s reputation abroad and its democratic integrity.
He declared, “Those who claimed to be champions of democracy yesterday have turned into the worst enemies of good governance and destroyers of our democracy today.”
Obi stressed that election changes were crucial to the advancement of the country and urged citizens to stand together against measures that would jeopardize democratic institutions.
“We insist that in order to ensure transparency and confidence in our elections, real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results must be required,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians to continue their unwavering pursuit of electoral reforms, arguing that fair elections are still essential to justice, sound administration, and sustainable development.
