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.

IDris Ahmed