Social Media Bill: 30,000 Signatures Collected For The Recall Of Senator Bala Na’Allah

Bala Ibn Na’Allah, the sponsor of the unpopular Social Media Bill, now faces a last ditch battle to survive a recall process put in motion by his constituents.

Idris Ahmed of Citizens United For Peace and Stability (CUPS), who is spearheading his recall said that it has so far collected over 30,000 signatures for his recall from the National Assembly.

“We are very delighted to announce that the legal/constitutional process of recalling Senator BalaIbnNa’Allah from the Senate is well underway. Over 30,000 signatures were collected as of yesterday, including a significant number from Wasagu, his home town.

Having realised this, Bala decided to go live on Voice of America (VOA) this morning crying for help! The fact remains true that bullies are always cowards too.

Whether he goes on VOA, BBC, RFI, Radio Beijing, Radio Deutsche Welle of Germany or any other radio station for that matter, crying for help, it does not make any difference whatsoever to this constitutional process. For the first time in our history, we Nigerian masses are mobilising ourselves to say enough is enough, and we really mean it!

For the avoidance of doubt, the process of recalling Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah from the Senate is well organised, structured, and transparent. The major steps involved are outlined below:

1. Community leaders at grassroots level in Yauri and Zuru Senatorial District are sending an initial petition letter to Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, in which all the allegations of wrongdoing labeled against him are detailed. This letter is copied to the INEC Chairman. Senator Bala is given two weeks to respond.
2. An independent committee made of distinguished scholars and lawyers on constitutional matters, ex-law enforcement agents, human rights activists and ex-politician is drafted from all parts of Nigeria to look into the allegations labeled against Bala Ibn Na’Allah. The committee will guarantee that he is not witch-hunted by anyone.
3. Petition signatures are collected from at least 51% of the electorate who voted for Bala Ibn Na’Allah during the last general election. Already 30,000 signatures have been collected. These signatures must be verifiable by INEC.
4. Within 90 days of collecting and verifying these signatures, INEC is obliged by law to organise a vote in Yauri and Zuru. Senatorial District for the electorate to decide whether to recall Bala Ibn Na’Allah from the Senate or not.
5. A simple majority of whatever number of people that turned up and voted against him during the recall voting is enough to seal the recall of Bala Ibn Na’allah from the Senate.

We are mobilising Nigerians from all political parties, religious, tribal, and cultural background to participate in this patriotic and historic event. This is truly an all Nigerian affair! Be part of history, don’t be left behind. Please join us at the “Democracy in Action” Facebook page to make the process smooth, effective, and transparent.

May God save Nigeria from the bad Politicians. Amen!”

IDris Ahmed