The #OccupyNASS protesters. Photo Femi Ipaye

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Hundreds of  Nigerians under the aegis Occupy NASS today  locked down the Nigerian National Assembly in protests against what they described as the perfidy of the lawmakers in recent times.

The group marched peacefully under the protection of the Police to the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, but were prevented from accessing the expansive premises of the National Assembly as the main gate was firmly locked against them by the security officials.

The group therefore resorted to camping at the gate vowing to remain there as long as possible.

The protesters in Abuja. Photo: Femi Ipaye

Part of the protests. Photo: Femi Ipaye

Rexton Eheke, one of the coordinators of the group said they are demanding for removal of all the paddings put into the 2016 budget by the National Assembly, especially the constituency projects and an end to all forms of impunity. The group said the Senate has especially been running its affairs with a lot of impunity with its unbridled support for the Senate President Bukola Saraki instead of putting Nigeria first.

The group is also asking the Senators to return the 38 SUV cars they recently bought as well as support the anti corruption war of Buhari administration. Thus, the group said the National Assembly should publish its budget and be part of the Treasury Single Account, TSA initiative of government.

To show  its seriousness about this resolve, the group  brought a mobile toilet.

The group promised to occupy the National Assemby for four days and has been turning away all those attempting to drive into the National Assembly.

A leader of the group however said the protest was not to disrupt the work of the National Assembly. The group said it will submit its demands to the Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives tomorrow.

It was gathered that a group in support of Senate President Bukola Saraki had earlier this morning also came to the National Assembly.