The police post at the National Assembly has been controversially closed down thereby attracting reactions from the IGP.
The Inspector General, Ibrahim Idris, has kicked against the
closure of the Police Division in the National Assembly allegedly by the
Senate.
Idris described the closure as “illegal”.
The Senate had been engaged in a face-off with Idris following a protracted fight between Senator Isa Misau and the IG.
However, the IG was also accused of removing the Officer-in-Charge
of the Division without recourse to the leadership of the National
Assembly.
These, it is believed, led to the closure of the Police Division in the National Assembly on September 12, 2017.
Idris, in a letter dated September 19, 2017, entitled: “Re: Sealing
and closure of Nigeria Police National Assembly Division,” said the
action was tantamount to a criminal act, especially when it was not
ordered by any competent court.
The letter, which was personally endorsed by the IG himself, was
addressed to some high-ranking persons at the National Assembly.
The protest letter reads in part: “I am constrained to bring to
the attention of the Chairman, National Assembly and President of the
Senate, the sealing and closure of the Nigeria Police National Assembly
Division since September 12, 2017 till date (seven days now).
“Preliminary inquiries initiated upon getting this report
revealed that one Ibrahim Ndako – Sargent-At-Arms of the National
Assembly and personnel on the said date evicted the duly posted
Divisional Police Officer and staff from the police station in full
glare reportedly on the instruction(s) of one M.A. Omolori – Clerk of
the National Assembly and sealed the office(s).
“Pursuant to this, on September 17, 2017, I directed the
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in whose jurisdiction the National
Assembly is domiciled to meet with the said M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the
National Assembly and ascertain the circumstances that led to what is
manifestly and unlawful action. Regrettably, this entreaty was bluntly
rebuffed.
“No reason(s) prior to and after the closure has been formally
conveyed to any formation of the Nigeria Police or to the Office of the
Inspector General of Police in this regard even as at the time of this
correspondence…
“Furthermore, it is also necessary to indicate that this action
of evicting public servant in the course of performing their lawful
duties and sealing an office domiciled in a public building complex
devoid of an express order from competent court is tantamount to a
criminal act punishable under the Criminal Code and Panel Code of Laws
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The implications of this action in the light of current
agitations now emanating from different parts of the country negatively
impact directly on the security of the National Assembly Complex, the
numerous members and staff of parliament domiciled therein as well as
members of the general public; an outcome, which may no doubt escalate
to a serious challenge to National Security.
“Consequently, I have initiated a formal investigation to
determine the background and circumstances leading to this unfortunate
and unprecedented development; the outcome of which will be conveyed to
your distinguished office for information accordingly.
“While appreciating your tremendous support towards the
successes of the Nigeria Police Force, accept as always the assurances
of my highest regards, please.”