House Of Reps Vows To Probe T£ar Gas Use On Peaceful Nigerians Demanding Electronic Transmission Of Election Results In Abuja
House Of Reps Vows To Probe Tear Gas Use On Peaceful Nigerians Demanding Electronic Transmission Of Election Results In Abuja
The House emphasised that citizens must be able to engage the legislative process without intimidation.
The House of Representatives has pledged to investigate the use of tear gas by security operatives against protesters at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Tuesday, lawmakers reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and remains central to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The House emphasised that citizens must be able to engage the legislative process without intimidation.
While acknowledging the responsibility of security agencies to maintain law and order, the lawmakers stressed that such duties must be carried out with professionalism, restraint, and respect for fundamental rights.
Rotimi disclosed that the Committee on Media and Public Affairs would engage relevant authorities to review the circumstances surrounding the incident. He assured that the House would deploy its oversight powers to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.
“The House of Representatives remains the People’s House not only in word but in action. Our doors remain open to Nigerians who choose to engage the Parliament peacefully and lawfully on matters of national importance,” the statement said.
The reaction follows reports that armed police officers dispersed protesters under the #OccupyNASS banner with tear gas on Tuesday. The demonstrators had assembled at the entrance of the National Assembly to demand mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
Among those present were former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili; publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; and former presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo.
The protesters called on lawmakers to amend the Electoral Act to mandate real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IREV portal.
Chanting “We no go gree, Akpabio pass the bill” and “Our vote must count,” they accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly leadership of stalling reforms aimed at strengthening electoral transparency.
Witnesses said police deployed anti-riot officers to disperse the gathering shortly after protest leaders addressed the crowd.
Tear gas canisters were reportedly fired, causing panic and injuries as demonstrators fled. Reinforcements later arrived, and additional rounds of tear gas were discharged when protesters regrouped near the Assembly gate.
