Admin l Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate today advised the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris Ikpotun to order his men to leave the premises of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly.
The IGP has ordered his men to take over the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly few hours after he replaced Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. John Abang with CP, Hyelasinda Musa Kimo. The order followed a motion raised by Senator Bassey Akpan, who informed the Senate that security agents were still at the premises of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly .
“We owe the people of Akwa Ibom this responsibility. It is not right. An injuiry to Akwa Ibom State is an injury to Nigeria,” he said.
But Senator Ahmed Kaita cautioned him, stressing that If the police vacates the premises, the legislators will go in there with their supporters and create fracas.
“The police are only there to promote peace. Let us, as a Senate, verify the facts of this issue before taking any action. I think the discussion or the issue really is the problem of the police occupying the premises of the House of Assembly. The issue on whether the court gave power or did not give power to one side is also under discussion,” he said.
Also speaking, Senator Emmanuel Paulker said it is a very sudden situation in Akwa Ibom State, adding that the police have to rise to see that this situation ends.
“What is paramount is for this Senate, without any political standing, should come together and ask the police to leave the House of Assembly. The police are biting more than they can chew.” In his reaction, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said the nation’s democracy would be at risk if members keep putting such matters aside.
“It is Akwa Ibom State today, it may be another State tomorrow”, he warned. Ruling on the matter, President of the Senate described it as a very serious matter. I think it is a matter that is non partisan. It is an action that is against the law that exists. Members of the parliament should have access. Police can provide law and order without necessarily preventing members of parliament to have access. The police has the responsibility to maintain law and order but at the same time, parliamentarians must have access to chambers.”
“We cannot allow this to happen now or in the future. A situation where the police can seal the chambers for more than 24 hours, is not something we should be a part of and not something we should support — irrespective of whoever is involved, I think we should stand for. Prosperity on the right side of history. The police should vacate but still provide necessary security”, the Senate President.
