The European Union has condemned the blockade of the National Assembly by operatives of the Department for State Services, DSS on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The European Union delegation made its position on the development known on Thursday in Abuja through its Press Officer, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka.
The European Union while expressing its concern over the action of the security agency described the blockade as an interference in the democratic process by law enforcement services.
The EU further admonished all the security agencies to remain neutral and non-partisan in the country’s democratic process.
Excerpts from the European Union statement read,
“The EU Heads of Missions have noted with concern the recent interference in the democratic process by law enforcement services, the most recent case being the barring of access to the National Assembly on Aug. 7. It is imperative for all law enforcement agents to stay neutral and ensure that independent institutions operate in line with their constitutional mandates, free from interference and intimidation.”
The European Union delegation reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy, saying, “The EU is fully committed to supporting democracy in Nigeria”.
The union lauded the Federal Government’s swift action to protect the independence of the National Assembly as a critical pillar of democracy.
The EU also underscored the importance of the 2019 general elections to national stability, peace and prosperity for all Nigerians while it stated the need for Nigerians to be allowed the freedom to decide the outcome of the polls.
The EU finally admonished all the critical stakeholders in the country to play their parts toward ensuring a free, fair, credible and peaceful exercise.
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Senate President Bukola Saraki described the blockade as an assault on democracy while addressing a press conference on Wednesday on the incident.
Saraki had noted during the press conference that the barricade by security officials was a show of shame which should not have happened in the first place.
The incident led to the termination of the appointment of the DSS Boss, Lawan Musa Daura by Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo; he also vowed to punish the perpetrators behind the blockade.