The Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association on Wednesday gave President Goodluck Jonathan seven days to address the nation on his efforts to tackle insurgents by Boko Haram.
Addressing journalists in Ikeja, Lagos, Chairman of the branch, Mr. Monday Ubani, also asked the President to explain in the address why there had not been any positive result in his efforts to fight terrorism in the country.
Ubani also condemned the pardon granted former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, saying such powers of the President to grant pardon, are not meant to be used for “selfish or parochial interest”.
He insisted such powers under Section 175 of the Constitution are meant to be used for national interest.
Ubani said, ” “The government of President Goodluck Jonathan is being called upon by all Nigerians to protect their lives and properties all over the country.
“There is no logic and no explanation for the wanton destruction of lives and properties of Nigerians daily by the Boko Haram Sect.
“The NBA Ikeja branch demands the president to address the nation within seven days from today and tell us what he has done to address the Boko Haram saga and further explain why there is no apparent positive result stemming the tide, and explains what step he is taking to end this madness and when will it end.”
Ubani described the pardon for Alamieyeseigha an abuse of the Prerogative of Mercy provision.
He said, “Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution is not meant to be used for parochial and selfish interest. It must always be exercised in the National interest.
“Can this exercise be so classified, moreso in a country where corruption has almost destroyed?”
He called on the National Assembly to review the relevant sections of the constitution with a view to creating an institution to monitor the president in the exercise of those powers.