A human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), says the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), lacks the power to restrict movement without recourse to the National Assembly.

Adegboruwa said this in a statement while reacting to the President’s restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as Abuja.

Buhari had in a broadcast on Sunday restricted movement in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The senior advocate said, “The President has no powers to restrict the movement of persons without recourse to the National Assembly. The President has not invoked his powers under the constitution to declare any state of emergency, which must be approved by the National Assembly.

“We are running a constitutional democracy and it is illegal for the President to take over the affairs of any state of the federation without the express consent of the people of that state through their elected representatives.


“It is only the governor of the state through the House of Assembly of the state that can make any declaration concerning the people of that state. Little wonder that the President could not cite any law that he relied upon for his declaration.”

Adegboruwa, who stated that he supports measures put in place to curb the virus, said the law must be respected.

He, therefore, called on the President to do the right thing.

The senior advocate also called on Buhari to put measures in place to assuage the financial consequences of the restriction.

The lawyer added, “I support every measure taken to contain the Coronavirus pandemic but such must be in accordance with the law. If we allow this to stay, then tomorrow the President may just impose a total restriction on all States of the Federation for whatever reason.

“I humbly urge the President to reverse the restrictions and work with the States concerned in accordance with the laws of our land.


“Also, there must be measures put in place to address the financial consequences of the proposed shutdown, especially for small scale businesses, those who depend on daily earnings and the needy and vulnerable members of the societies to be affected.”

iwaeda:
BREAKING: Buhari lacks power to restrict movement in Lagos, Abuja – Adegboruwa
https:///tViZw5zSIH

rusher14:
If dem born you well, disobey it.

Just accept the koboko as part of your sacrifice.

TooMuchStuff:


Children born into tyrannical mushlems leaders always like autocratic orders of CowHaris

shortgun:
The lawyer is right...the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement and association.

rusher14:


When Trump said he was going to quarantine New York yesterday, did Cuomo call it illegal?

LabDNA:
.
Yes he implied that it was illegal and Trump backtracked. That's the latest news incase you live in oshogbo bush.

I support the curfew but I passionately detest you buharideens and 'imale' mooslims.

rusher14:


Everything is about tribe and religion to simpletons.

LabDNA:


Isn't it to you?

shortgun:
The lawyer is right...the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement and association.

rusher14:


Been on this forum since 2011.

I don't do tribe or religion.

LabDNA:


You are simply getting a reflection of what you give. Deal with it.

rusher14:


Kiddo go play with your mates.

My last response to you.

mkoabiola:
Some zombies will casigate d lawyer.


It cost nothing for d NASS to have an emergency seating and do d right tin