‘Hungry’ protesters pass vote of confidence on N’Assembly leadership

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Assembly.

The group besieged the main entrance of the National Assembly to show solidarity to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara-led National Assembly on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

“A vote of confidence on Senator Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Senator Andy Uba”, “Blackmailers leave National Assembly alone”, “Blackmailers, leave public office holders alone”... Read the inscriptions on their placards.

The organisers had come with a DJ who provided music for the event.

observed that despite the music, those standing looked tired while others seemed oblivious of the reason for the protest.

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When approached one of the leaders of the group for comments on the aim of the protest, he simply said “I am tired. I have been here shouting since morning”.

Another leader of the group who was seen motivating the weary protesters to carry their placards properly simply told our correspondents to ‘hold on’ and he will get back to her later.

“Great civil society,” the organizer of the protest screamed.

“We are hungry,” they responded.

Embarrassed by the response, the organiser shouted again – louder, this time.

“I say: great, great, great, civil society…”

“Oga, we are hungry. Come and settle us,” they muttered.

He ordered the DJ to increase the volume while he went round to motivate them.

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A protester who spoke to on the condition of anonymity said they were contracted for the protest.

The protester, a father of two said they had been at the venue since 8am.

“They brought us in those three white buses over there,” he said.

“We were told that it would not take time and once the cameramen have captured us, we will go and collect our money. We have been here since 8 o’clock, still they have not said anything. Some of us did not even eat before coming. We are hungry, abeg,” the protester said angrily.

Some of the women were also seen covering their faces at the sight of a camera.

The group alleged that members National Assembly were being "persecuted due to their refusal to be cowed be the executive some powerful politicians."