The member representing Ahoada-East/Abua/Odual Federal Constituency, Rivers State, Solomon Bob on Thursday described the snubbing of the Joint Session of the National Assembly by President Muhamadu Buhari as of a clear case questioning the existence of the legislature.

Mr Bob raised a point of order on privilege, demanding answers from the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila on why the President who was scheduled to appear before the joint session of the House did not honour the invitation, according to Daily Post.

Recall, the House in a resolution on 1 December invited Buhari to address them on the true state of the security situation in the country, in the wake of the killings of 78 rice farmers by Boko Haram.

The invitation was delivered to the President by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and other leaders, Buhari at the meeting agreed to address the House.

A few days after, the President’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie announced on 7 December that the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly today. But at the commencement of plenary on Thursday, there was no sight of President Buhari.

Mr Bob, citing order 8, rule 6, said the privilege of the House has been breached, adding that President Buhari flagrantly disregarded the resolution of the House.

READ ALSO:

'Nigeria To Get COVID-19 Vaccines From January 2021' - Okonjo-Iweala

He said: “Last week we passed a resolution, bordering on security. I read in the newspaper that the president agreed to come. However, the events following the resolution has shown that the resolution has been flagrantly disregarded. If this House should pass a resolution, and it is disregarded, then it questions our existence here. Our very existence here is being questioned.

“The Speaker should address us. Maybe there has been a back channel, we need to know. Nigerians are watching, the world is watching, watching what we will do. This action is capable of showing that the House is of no significance.”

Ruling on the point of order, the Speaker said his motion has been noted, adding that the House is “waiting for official communication from the President.”

The President’s refusal to show up may have been because of the advisory by Justice Minister and Attorney General Abubakar Malami.

He issued a statement on Wednesday, saying the National Assembly has no right to invite Buhari. His comment has been roundly debunked by several senior lawyers.