The Digest:
The House of Representatives and former presidential candidate Peter Obi have condemned the alleged use of tear gas on peaceful protesters at the National Assembly entrance on Tuesday. House spokesman Akin Rotimi stated the Green Chamber will take up the matter with relevant authorities and cause "a thorough review of the circumstances." He emphasised that the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected. Obi, in an X statement, described the incident as "harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right." Protesters were demanding electoral reforms, specifically mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results. Two women reportedly fainted from tear gas inhalation, and journalists suffered severe eye irritation. Security agencies have not yet issued an official statement.
Key Points:
- The tear-gassing of peaceful protesters raises serious concerns about democratic freedoms and police conduct.
- It undermines public confidence in the legislative process and citizen engagement.
- Citizens exercising constitutional rights face state violence, while authorities remain silent.
- This signals potential erosion of civic space ahead of 2027 elections.
- The timing, amid electoral reform protests, adds gravity to the incident.
Sources: Leadership, House of Representatives, Peter Obi/X
