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Tag: Senate

  • AGF, Malami declares Senate’s suspension of Omo-Agege illegal

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Mr Abubakar Malami, (SAN) told the Federal High Court Abuja on Monday that the suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege was unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.

    Malami, who is the 3rd defendant in the ongoing suit brought by Omo-Agege challenging his suspension from the Senate, made his position known through his counsel, Mr Dayo Apata.

    Apata, who doubles as the Solicitor-General of the Federation, in his submission, said that the role of the AGF was to defend and protect the constitution, adding that he had to react to any issue that had to do with the constitution.

    “According to Section 4(8), 39, 40 of the Constitution and Articles of the African Charter on Human Rights, all the actions of the senate relating to the suspension of the plaintiff (Omo-Agege) are unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful.”

    The solicitor-general urged the court to hold that the senate’s actions were unlawful.

    Mr Mahmud Magaji (SAN), counsel to the Senate and the Senate President, in his submission, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the senator had himself, participated in the suspension of other senators.

    “The plaintiff is not an ordinary senator but a lawyer and a member of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

    “He has participated in several committee meetings leading to the suspension of other senators such as Ndume, so he who lives by the sword, should die by the sword.

    “He who has participated in the suspension of his colleagues cannot now run to the court for protection.

    “He swore to an oath to be bound by the rules of the senate, including the standing orders,” Magaji said.

    Mr Alex Iziyon (SAN), counsel to Omo-Agege in his submission, prayed the court to consider what had been done by the senate as an affront to the dignity of the court.

    Iziyon argued that the court had the powers to pull down what has been done by the senate.

    He said this was on the grounds that while the matter was still pending in court, the senate went ahead and slammed the 90 legislative days suspension on his client.

    Having listened to submissions from all the counsel, the judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the matter until May 10 to deliver judgment.

    Earlier, the court refused an application by Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and Sen. Bala Ibn Na’allah, Chairman and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and other Petitions.

    The senators had applied to be joined as parties in the suit but the court refused on the grounds that they were not necessary parties in the suit.

    Mr Paul Erokoro (SAN), counsel to both senators, had urged the court to allow them to be joined as parties by virtue of the fact that they were chairman and vice chairman of the committee.

    “They are necessary parties in this suit because it is the report their committee produced that the plaintiff seeks to impugned and set aside.

    “Moreover, whatever decision the court takes will affect them and members of the committee because their personal conduct is being questioned,” Erokoro said.

    Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, filed the suit to challenge his suspension from the senate.

    He asked the court to among other reliefs, grant an order restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, privies or officers from interfering with his rights and privileges as a senator.

  • Court adjourns Omo-Agege’s suit against Senate till April 30

    The Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday fixed April 30 to hear a suit filed by suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, against the Senate, the Senate President and Attorney-General of the Federation.

    Mr Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial district, filed the suit to challenge his suspension from the Senate.

    The judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba fixed the date after refusing to vacate an earlier order he made granting accelerated hearing of the matter.

    Alex Izinyon (SAN), Counsel to Mr Omo-Agege, had approached the court with an ex parte motion seeking an injunction against the Senate, but the court declined.

    The court then asked Mr Izinyon to put the respondents on notice.

    Mr Dimgba ordered that the Senate and Senate president should show cause why the reliefs sought by the senator should not be granted.

    The court gave the respondents seven days to show cause, ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter and adjourned to April 27, for definite hearing.

    However, when the matter was called, Mr Izinyon informed the court that he was ready to move his motion saying that the matter was slated for hearing of the substantive case.

    Mr Izinyon also told the court that the respondents had been duly served with the originating summon.

    But Mahmud Magaji, (SAN), counsel to the Senate and Senate president, raised an objection, saying that he had filed a memorandum of conditional appearance.

    Mr Magaji said he filed an application, seeking the court to set aside its order which granted abridgement of time to hear the matter.

    The counsel maintained that he was just briefed of the matter on April 19, and that he had not sighted any of the originating processes.

    The judge, however, said that the court had proof that the Senate and the Senate president had been served through clerk of the Senate.

    “I have to protect the integrity of the court. On two occasions, this court has respected the Senate and as well, I expect the Senate to respect the court,” Mr Dimgba said.

    He directed the respondents to serve advance copies of their counter affidavits and other processes on the plaintiffs through email, not later than 7 p.m, April 27.

    The judge adjourned the matter until April 30 for hearing of the substantive suit.

    Mr Omo-Agege is asking the court to among other reliefs; grant an order restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, privies or officers from interfering with his rights and privileges as a Senator.

    “An order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, privies or officers from interfering with the plaintiff’s rights and or privileges, as a senator.

    The reliefs also including ‘’preventing him from entering or remaining within the precinct or chamber of the Senate or National Assembly”, among others.

  • Police arrest six suspects in connection with Senate invasion, mace theft

    The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects in connection with last week’s invasion of the Senate and theft of its mace.

    However, investigation into the incident was still ongoing as at press time.

    Recall that some thugs had on April 18 invaded the Senate, beat up some Sergeants-at-arm and went away with the mace.

    But following a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Nigerian police, the mace was found under a bridge in Abuja.

    Findings indicated that a monitoring committee raised by the Inspector-General of Police and headed by a Commissioner of Police had closed in on eight suspects.

    But six of the suspects have been arrested by the said team.

    A top police source, who spoke in confidence, said: “So far, the police have arrested six suspects in connection with the attack on the Senate and the theft of mace.

    “The suspects, who are being interrogated, include some sighted in the chamber and those allegedly outside it.

    “They have all denied their alleged involvement in the invasion. What we need to do is to analyse the video clips and juxtapose these with the images of those in custody.

    “At the appropriate time, we will release the names of the suspects after they have been properly identified.

    “Those in the net claimed that they were mistakenly suspected.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Preliminary investigation confirmed that these thugs were stopped by the police from entering the Senate wing, but a senator cleared them that they were with him.

    “We may have to interact with those policemen on duty to identify the senator who insisted that the hoodlums must be allowed to enter. We may also interact with the senator.

    “All I can tell you now is that investigation is still in progress. The probe team is headed by a Commissioner of Police.”

    The Senate has however insisted that the culprits must be brought to book.

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, described the invasion as a “disgrace.”

    He said: “What happened was a disgrace. It made no sense if you think about it, and it was a very primitive adventure.

    “If they were looking for a routine change, it was better they followed due process.

    “If you were to impeach the President, for instance, you go through the impeachment process and involve the House.

    “You will have to get a simple majority or three quarters of the members to get him out. And where you are unable to do that, you simply walk away.”

    The Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, had spoken on the incident at the Presidential Villa.

    He said: “For us, it’s a threat to our democracy. The invasion of the parliament is not acceptable to any person. It’s not acceptable to me, it’s not acceptable to the VP, it’s not acceptable to my colleagues.

    “I believe it’s not also acceptable to the president. So, those who acted this script must be on their own.

    “All we need to do as a country is to ensure that this is forestalled, and I want to appeal to the media to help us discourage this kind of brigandage so that people have to behave in a very responsible manner.

    “Police is still investigating, we are going to find out the details of those who aided him to come in and then some of them, I believe, have been arrested and we will get to the root of the matter.”

     

  • NNPC runs into serious trouble with Senate over N216bn fuel subsidy

    The Senate has asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to refund N216 billion paid by the commission as subsidy in 2017.

    The lawmakers unanimously agreed that the money be repaid to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, saying its expenditure is illegal.

    This position was part of recommendations of the Senate committee on public accounts adopted by the Senate on Thursday.

    The committee was in January mandated to investigate all subsidy payments made by the NNPC without recourse to the National Assembly.

    The chairman of the committee, Matthew Uroghide, said the corporation in 2017 paid itself N216 billion but described it as operational cost.

    “In 2017, NNPC imported 9.8 billion litres of PMS at the cost of $5.4 billion amounting to N1.672 trillion at the exchange rate of N305.

    “In the previous years, all importers including the NNPC have collected subsidy for differentials, it is therefore curious that NNPC will, in the year 2017, describe this differentials as operating cost and a loss but will not demand for a refund,” he said.

    Adopting the recommendations, the lawmakers warned NNPC to halt illegal payment of subsidy without appropriation henceforth.

    The Senate asked the NNPC to make a formal request, through the president, for the inclusion of subsidy as an item in the 2018 budget to legalise the payment going forward.

    It also urged the federal government to pay oil marketers the outstanding arrears of subsidy payment owed them prior to 2017.

  • Constitutional provisions for impeachment of Buhari

    Addressing an executive communication at Thursday’s plenary session of the Nigerian Senate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Matthew Urhoghide moved for immediate impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari for voiding constitutional provisions.

    The Buhari’s impeachment motion by Urhoghide which was seconded by the Senator representing Enugu North constituency, Chukwuka Utazi, has it that the President abused executive powers, thereby flouting provisions of the 1999 Constitution by approving the sum of $496 million for the purchase of super Tucano fighter jets without consent of the National Assembly.

    In a letter defending his approval of the money withdrawn from the excess crude account (ECA), Buhari said he had anticipated the lawmakers would approve the withdrawal.

    “There is nowhere in our law that talked about anticipatory approval. We cannot sit down and allow this to take place. It is an impeachable offence.

    “There is no infraction that is worse than this. Let us not continue to sleep. I propose that we commence the impeachment of Mr President,” House of Representative member, Kingsley Chinda said citing sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 constitution.

    Senator Urhoghide, who moved for the impeachment in the Senate, moved the motion for the invocation of Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with impeachment of the President for voiding due process.

    Section 143 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) deals with the removal of the president and vice-president from office.

    143. (1) The President or Vice-President may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    (2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the National Assembly:-

    (a) is presented to the President of the Senate;

    (b) stating that the holder of the office of President or Vice-President is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified, the President of the Senate shall within seven days of the receipt of the notice cause a copy thereof to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the National Assembly, and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office to be served on each member of the National Assembly.

    (3) Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the President of the Senate (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) each House of the National Assembly shall resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

    (4) A motion of the National Assembly that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed, unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of each House of the National Assembly.

    (5) Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions, the Chief Justice of Nigeria shall at the request of the President of the Senate appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provide in this section.

    (6) The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person and be represented before the Panel by legal practitioners of his own choice.

    (7) A Panel appointed under this section shall –

    (a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the National Assembly; and

    (b) within three months of its appointment report its findings to each House of the National Assembly.

    (8) Where the Panel reports to each House of the National Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

    (9) Where the report of the Panel is that the allegation against the holder of the office has been proved, then within fourteen days of the receipt of the report at the House the National Assembly shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of each House of the National Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the Panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.

    (10) No proceedings or determination of the Panel or of the National Assembly or any matter relating thereto shall be entertained or questioned in any court.

    (11) In this section – “gross misconduct” means a grave violation or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion of the National Assembly to gross misconduct.”

    Meanwhile, after hearing contributions from his colleagues at Thursday’s plenary, Senate President Bukola Saraki submitted the matter be referred to the Senate’s judiciary committee to make clear the terms for the impeachment of the President.

    “Distinguished Colleagues, I think we have taken contributions from everyone. I also think that the contribution of the Leader addresses two issues and we must take note of them:

    “One, the concerns we have, as Senator Shehu Sani said, all of us agree that there is definitely security concerns in our country.

    “At the same time, we all agree that from what has been presented to us definitely there is a breach of Constitution.

    “The question is what are the circumstances surrounding the breach of Constitution and whether those circumstances justify the breach of Constitution.

    “I am sure you will all remember that in August 2017, when I got the message from the U.S. Ambassador, that the Senate Committee at the Congress of the United States wanted to visit us because they had received a request from President Trump to approve for payment of the Tucano but they needed Congress approval. Congress wanted to come to Nigeria to speak with their counterparts.

    “I led the team with members of the House of Representatives and members here in the Senate and we met with the members of Congress on this issue. We were aware at that time of the issues.

    “Between September and February with all due respect, there was ample time for the Executive to have carried us along on this issue. There are arguments for and against and those arguments are valid.

    “The suggestion of the Leader, that we should send it to the Judiciary Committee to: 1. Advise whether truly the constitution has been breached; 2. Whether the circumstances justify the breach in any way.

    “What do we do going forward in trying to appropriate because the funds have already been spent. Do we go under what the Leader has come under or we start the whole process of appropriating.

    “It was after we agreed in September that the US Congress went back to give approval to the Executive to go ahead to sell the Tucano to Nigeria.

    “If you will all agree, we should refer the matter to the Judiciary Committee and give them a short period of time.

    “By Wednesday next week they should present their report to us,” Saraki surmised.

     

  • BREAKING: Senate summons Buhari over killings in Benue, Taraba others

    The Senate on Thursday resolved to invite President Muhammadu Buhari to address a joint session of the National Assembly over the rising level of killings in the country.

    The resolution followed a motion by Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. George Akume at plenary.

    Presenting the motion titled: “Continued Killings in Benue State”, Akume expressed concern on the continued destruction of lives and property, particularly in the seven local governments of Benue North West Senatorial District.

    He noted with concern that despite the presence of the military in the state, the killings and destruction of properties had continued unabated.

    ”In the morning of Tuesday, April 24, while some Christian faithful were gathered at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ayar town, Gwer East Local Government Area, they were ambushed by armed gunmen.

    “They opened fire indiscriminately on the worshipers resulting in the death of two Reverend Fathers, a catechist and 17 others.

    “This latest attack on a worship centre, which is unprecedented has grave implications for the security and unity of our dear nation.

    “The monumental refugee situation now estimated at over 200,000 is being faced by the entire state,” he said.

    The lawmaker prayed the Senate to urge the Federal Government to evaluate the entire security architecture of the country and for the identification, apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators of the killings.

    Contributing, Sen. Adamu Aliero (APC-Kebbi) decried the wanton killings, saying there was need for concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders to nip the problem in the bud.

    According to him, if care is not taken, it will lead to religious crisis in the country.

    “I do not think those perpetrating the crime do not have a religion. They can attack Muslims and Christians, so we should treat them as criminals.”

    Sen. Sam Anyanwu (PDP-Imo) said if not nipped in the bud, the continuous killings in the country would also lead to food scarcity.

    “If nothing is done urgently, there will be food scarcity because the places that are attacked are predominantly farmers. We must fight this as a country.

    “The service chiefs should be engaged to know what is happening. We should also seek foreign aid. I think some people are gaining from this development,” he said.

    Sen. Obinna Ogba advised that President Muhammadu Buhari be invited to a joint session of the National Assembly.

    He stressed that something drastic should be done to address the security situation of the country.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the continued killings across the country were worrisome.

    “We were talking about herdsmen and farmers, now we are talking about herdsmen and religious leaders.

    ” The dimension this is taking will lead to a serious problem if not urgently tackled.

    “We need drastic action, we must say no to the wanton killings.

    ” We cannot continue to say we are leaders; this is a failure and we must look at what we can do differently.

    “We cannot continue like this, we have to take a decision that will show we are serious given the enormity of the situation,” he said.

    The lawmakers observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the latest Benue killings and in other parts of the country.

    Recall that the House of Representatives had earlier summoned the president over the incessant killings across the country.

  • Melaye: IGP ignores Senate, accompanies Buhari to Bauchi

    …as Senate reschedules appearance for next week

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Thursday failed to honour the invitation of the Senate to explain the controversial arrest of a senator, Dino Melaye and the gruesome killings by suspected herdsmen across the country.

    Recall that the Senate had, on Wednesday, summoned the IGP to appear in the chamber to address the lawmakers in plenary on Thursday (today).

    The Police boss was, however, said to have accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari on a state visit to Bauchi State.

    Faulting the Police boss for not officially communicating to them on his non-appearance, the lawmakers asked that the appearance be rescheduled to next Wednesday.

    Details later…

  • Senate sets in motion Buhari’s impeachment

    Nigerian Senate on Thursday referred to its judiciary committee for legal advise the motion for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari moved by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

    TheNewsGuru reports President Buhari purportedly approved the sum of $496 million for the purchase of super Tucano fighter jets without consent of the National Assembly.

    Senator Urhoghide, representing Edo South senatorial district, therefore, moved the motion for the invocation of Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with impeachment of the President for voiding due process.

    Senator Urhoghide citing Orders 15, 42 & 52, said the matter should be forwarded to the appropriate committee.

    “The President’s request is wrong, it’s a violation of our process, proceedings and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “It’s a violation of Section 80 subsection 1, 2, 3, 4. The procedure of the expenditure is wrong. There ought to be an appropriation before such an expenditure.

    “I hereby request that the SP, Bukola Saraki should invoke Section 18 of the Constitution,” the Senator said.

    “I rise to second this motion with Section 80 subsection 2 and 3. We are still on the appropriation bill, we have not finished it, Service chiefs were appointed without the approval of the Senate.

    “This Tucano helicopters are to be brought in 2020, why include it now in appropriation. This is an impeachable offense,” Senator Chukwuka Utazi, representing Enugu North constituency said.

    In reaction, Senator Shehu Sani said, “We are not ignorant of the security challenges that is going on in the country and how it affects the stability of our country. I appreciate the efforts of the FG to bring an end to the killings in Nigeria but this is no reason to breach the Constitution”.

    “This is a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very clear to us that we are failing as a government and as a nation. We should be calling for refund and exercise due process,” he added.

    In his submission, Senator Sam Anyanwu said, “We should look into this as it is obvious that there is a breach of Constitution”.

    “I rise on Section 83 subsection 1 and 2. I suggest we forward this matter to the Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters,” Senator Bala Na’allah said.

    “Distinguished Colleagues, I think we have taken contributions from everyone. I also think that the contribution of the Leader addresses two issues and we must take note of them:

    “One, the concerns we have, as Senator @ShehuSani said, all of us agree that there is definitely security concerns in our country. At the same time, we all agree that from what has been presented to us definitely there is a breach of Constitution.

    “The question is what are the circumstances surrounding the breach of Constitution and whether those circumstances justify the breach of Constitution.

    “I am sure you will all remember that in August 2017, when I got the message from the U.S. Ambassador, that the Senate Committee at the Congress of the United States wanted to visit us because they had received a request from President Trump to approve for payment of the Tucano but they needed Congress approval. Congress wanted to come to Nigeria to speak with their counterparts.

    “I led the team with members of the House of Representatives and members here in the Senate and we met with the members of Congress on this issue. We were aware at that time of the issues.

    “Between September and February with all due respect, there was ample time for the Executive to have carried us along on this issue. There are arguments for and against and those arguments are valid.

    “The suggestion of the Leader, that we should send it to the Judiciary Committee to: 1. Advise whether truly the constitution has been breached; 2. Whether the circumstances justify the breach in any way.

    “What do we do going forward in trying to appropriate because the funds have already been spent. Do we go under what the Leader has come under or we start the whole process of appropriating.

    “It was after we agreed in September that the US Congress went back to give approval to the Executive to go ahead to sell the Tucano to Nigeria. If you will all agree, we should refer the matter to the Judiciary Committee and give them a short period of time. By Wednesday next week they should present their report to us,” Saraki concluded.

     

  • IGP to face Senate today over Melaye

    The Senate yesterday adjourned plenary and summoned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris over the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi).

    The resolution followed a point of order by Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP, Imo) on the arrest of Melaye, who has been having a running battle with the police over allegation of gun running.

    The IGP is to appear before the Senate today by 11.am during plenary. Our correspondent reports that all items listed on the Senate’s order paper were stepped down following the resolution.

    Anyanwu said: “When one person is humiliated, it is all of us. A senator of Federal Republic is being treated like a common criminal. We have lost our glory as a result of what happened yesterday.”

    Also speaking, Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi) described yesterday as a very bad day for the Senate. “An attack on one is an attack on all of us. He was being taken to SARS where common criminals like armed robbers are.”

    Ubali Shittu (APC, Jigawa) said it was a similar scenario that played out in 1984 that led to the end of the government. “This is not change we voted for. We did’nt vote for this government to be maltreated,” he said.

    But Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC, Nasarawa) cautioned his colleagues against what he called, confrontational outpour, saying it won’t help Melaye’s situation.
    Senate President Bukola Saraki described the police action as a threat to democracy.

    “Even me in the last 48 hours, I’ve not been able to reach the IGP. That’s not disrespect to me as an individual but this institution,” he said.
    Senators visit Melaye at National Hospital.

    At about 1.pm yesterday, Saraki led all senators in two buses to the National Hospital, where Melaye was hospitalized. They arrived the hospital at 1.31 and left at about 2.20pm.

    After a brief meeting with the chairman of the board of the Hospital, Patricia Etteh, nine out of the senators were allowed into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
    In an interview with newsmen, Saraki said Melaye was in a stable condition. He said Melaye was not in handcuffs.

  • BREAKING: Senate summons IGP, condenms ill-treatment of Senator Dino Melaye [Video]

    * Shuts down plenary for all Senators to visit Sen. Dino

    Apparently troubled by the ill-treatment of senator representing Kogi-West, Dino Melaye by police operatives in Abuja, the Nigerian senate on Wednesday shuts down plenary session, summons the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to appear at plenary on Thursday to brief lawmakers on Melaye arrest as well as the continuous killings of Nigerians across the country.

    Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, will be leading the Senators to visit Melaye at the National Hospital in Abuja to ascertain his condition.

    The visit comes after the Senator landed the hospital after he reportedly jumped out of a moving police vehicle.

    The lawmaker was rushed to Zankli hospital in Mabushi district of Abuja after jumping off the police vehicle around Area One.

    The police vehicle was conveying him to Lokoja, Kogi State where he is expected to be interrogated by the police in connection with the allegation that he armed some thugs and in relation to other criminal activities.

    Speaking at today’s plenary session Saraki described police handling of Melaye is a threat to every member of the Nigerian Senate.

    He words, “It affects all of us, not only us, but this institution and this democracy and these actions are a threat. The excesses must be contained in the interest of all of us.”

    “We are about to start elections and if these are the kind of excesses of those who are meant to be responsible for providing law and order, this is a great concern in this country. And those who are directly responsible need to take up that responsibility.”

    This is not what we should be spending our energy on. It is important for the IGP to come & brief us. I have tried so many times to find out what the situation is, & this kind of attitude must stop if we truly want to sustain & create an enabling environment.”

    “So, one thing is to ascertain his state of mind concerning the situation and also to find out and also to find a way out quickly, to find a solution to this problem so we can restore sanity.

    “We are not talking about the menace, but there is a procedure and a way to handle these things.

    Other Senators condemned manhandling of Melaye by police

    Here are the views of some of the senators as regards the drama between the Nigerian Police and Senator Dino Melaye.

    Sen Shehu Sani

    Senator states his concern about systematic factors in the country and that all should remember there is no permanence in power. “What happened to Senator is an abuse of power”.

    Sen Remi Tinubu

    “The people look to the Senate for protection. “The average man needs protection just as we do.”- Senator

    Senator states that she is not in support of what happened to Senator . “If Senators and can be taken away by the police, it destroys the sanctity of this chamber.”

    Sen Joshua Lidani

    “Senator is a very vocal person, he is being intimidated and targeted. It is clear that Dino Melaye is subject to inhumane treatment, let us all rise and condemn this act.”- Senator Joshua Lidani

    Sen Ubali Shittu

    We did not vote this Government to abuse democracy. I condemn shameful act totally invite all those involved to speak to us and this case openly to the public.”- Senator Ubali Shitu

    Sen. Isah Misau

    “It was only an allegation against Senator and since the matter is still in court, he should not be forced to go to Kogi.”- Senator