Lawyer Labels National Assembly as ‘Political Bandits’ Over Teargas Attack on Protesters

Deji Adeyanju, activist and lawyer, on Tuesday described the Godswill Akpabio-led National Assembly as “political bandits,” claiming the legislature does not act in the interest of Nigerians.

Adeyanju spoke during an interview while reacting to the tear gassing of protesters by the police at the National Assembly.

“It’s very ironic that a group supporting the National Assembly’s actions was not teargassed. Pro-government protesters at the EFCC were not teargassed, yet the anti-government group at the National Assembly, advocating against manual transmission of results, were targeted,” Adeyanju said.

He emphasised that peaceful protest is a fundamental human right. “Protest is not a crime. I don’t understand why there would be a response involving force as long as people are peaceful and follow legal procedures.

“Our laws already provide for escalation only if a protest turns into a riot,” he added.

Adeyanju also explained why he himself was not protesting. “The only reason I’m not on the streets now is because individuals like Akpabio are in charge of the National Assembly.

“I cannot, in good conscience, demand they do the right thing when I know they lack the character to do so,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating his criticism: “This current National Assembly are political bandits. They do not have the interest of Nigerians at heart.”