The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Friday that Wednesday’s invasion of the Senate Chamber by suspected hoodlums was a violation of the nation’s security system and threat to the current democratic dispensation.
In a statement signed by its president, Ayuba Wabba, NLC said the episode was an unfortunate reminder of the dark days which the nation should do without.
The statement reads: “The invasion of the hallowed chamber of the Senate on Wednesday by hoodlums and miscreants who carted away the mace and other paraphernalia of authority is a violation of the sanctity of the Senate and constitutes a threat to our democracy. It represents a throw-back to those dark old days we are better off without.
“It is equally a sad commentary on the quality of representation. We therefore condemn it in its entirety. We similarly invite all who love Nigeria to rise and condemn this crude and sordid act or conduct.
“The Senate, from the days of the Greeks and Romans from whom the world borrowed this concept of democracy, has always been a sacred arena for the nobility (in carriage, thought or mind), the best and the brightest, the gifted in oratory, a hatchery of the supremacy of ideas delivered in the most sublime and profound language in furtherance of the interest of fatherland.
“As a House packed full of representatives from different parts of the Republic, there are bound to be differences (of opinion, tactics, strategy) and even conflicts but these are expected to be resolved in a dignified manner befitting of men and women of character and learning! It is for this reason, there are rules of engagement that every member is made to understand as a precondition to swearing in.
“It is in consideration of this that we consider what has happened as a big anomaly. We do also believe that the National Assembly Security apparatus should be called to question for laxity or compromise.
“Whereas they have often distinguished themselves by keeping at bay constituents and peaceful protesters from the precincts of the National Assembly, these thugs seem to have walked on a laid red carpet.
“Could these agencies have been acting alone? What is the degree of their complicity? Whichever way, we condemn this primitive conduct and demand sanctions. Let it never happen again. There are better methods no matter the issues.”
Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has condemned the recent invasion of the Senate Chamber and snatching of the mace by suspected thugs.
Speaking with The Nation in Calabar on Friday, Ita-Giwa said: “I feel the need to comment on the recent dramatic events at the Senate, when a gang of thugs invaded the sacred Senate Chamber and made away with the mace. It is clear to me that whoever sponsored that drama does not fully understand legislative procedures.
“The upper Chamber of the National Assembly is not like a political party secretariat where thugs can invade to seize or destroy documents and even occupy and paralyze party business. To my mind it was an exercise in futility. I wonder about the motive of the thugs and their sponsors, because outsiders taking the mace in no way affects the senate’s proceedings.
“It is only when a group of senators who when they feel strong enough in terms of numbers get together to seize the mace and take it out of the chamber that proceedings can be affected. This was the case when senators loyal to the former Senate president, late Chuba Okadigbo, took the mace out of the chamber. If you recall, plenary could not hold until the mace was returned. However, the use of the substitute mace in this case by Senate for plenary to continue was very much in order, as it was clear that the mace was taken by outsiders and majority of the senators were in agreement.”
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja has ordered the police and the State Security Service (DSS) to desist from arresting Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) over Wednesday’s disruption of the Senate’s proceedings during which its mace was allegedly stolen.
Justice Isahq Bello, who is the court’s Chief Judge, gave the order Thursday while ruling on an ex-parte motion by the Senator.
Justice Bello said the order is to subsist pending the hearing and determination of the Omo Agege’s motion on notice seeking similar prayers as contained in the ex parte motion.
Justice Bello, in his ruling, retrained the four respondents from arresting Omo-Agege pending the hearing of the senator’s motion on notice.
The judge granted all the applicant’s prayers, which included:
*An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents and/or servants arresting and/or detaining the applicant either in their custody of any other law enforcement agency, or its servants, agents or privies or through any person working in concert with the respondent as its agents, by whatever means or however described pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this suit.
*An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents, their representatives, agents or privies, howsoever described from any attempt or threat to violate the applicant’s fundamental right to personal liberty and right to freedom of movement pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this suit.
*An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from taking any or further steps detrimental to the applicant’s aforementioned fundamental rights to the applicant’s rights in connection with the facts stated in this matter pending the hearing of the motion on notice filed in this suit.”
Upon granting the Senator’s prayers, Justice Bello adjourned further proceedings to May 7 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The judge equally re-assigned the case to Court 30 which is being presided over by Justice Usman Musale in the Jabi Division of the FCT High Court, where subsequent proceedings would take place
The main suit is marked: FCT/HC/CV/1522/2018 and the ex parte motion marked: M/5050/18.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris; the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Sadiq Bello, and the Director-General of SSS, Lawal Daura are listed as respondents.
A NEC Member of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu has condemned the invasion of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly and disruption of the Senate plenary by unknown persons on Wednesday.
Comrade Aremu said “an injury to the National Assembly is an injury to the nation’s democracy” adding that the “Federal government probe of the invasion should be prompt and conclusive with the objective of prevention of future acts”.
The labour leader said the unfortunate senate event was a rude awakening to all for good governance with respect to security of lives and property as contained in 1999 constitution.
Comrade Aremu said what the Senate just witnessed had been “the routine lots of many defenseless Nigerians” who are daily physically assaulted by criminals in homes, on the roads and in their communities.
He said while nothing could justify thuggery at the Senate, the leadership of the National Assembly must also stop criminalizing dissenting views of democratically elected members.
“The serial suspension of any members of the hallowed Chambers who hold contrary views amounts to legislative dictatorship which is also unacceptable in a democracy” he observed.
Democracy is about cooperation as much as contestation and the National Assembly is the true symbol of both, he said.
He however said that, the mass condemnation of the senate invasion was an indication that, “there is a national consensus that democracy despite some of its shortcomings remains the best form of good governance and development for Nigeria.”
Dazed by the audacity which shrouded Wednesday’s invasion of the National Assembly, the Senate Wednesday summoned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and the Director General, Department of State Service (DSS) Lawal Daura, to appear before it over the incident.
Idris and Daura are to appear before the Senate next week, the Senate said.
It said that the police boss and DSS DG were specifically invited to throw light on the extent of investigation into the invasion largely believed to have been orchestrated.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary issued the summon in an address after over one hour Executive Session.
Issues relating to the invasion of the hallowed chamber of the Senate by armed thugs and steps to ensure lasting harmony in the chamber were said to have dominated the closed session.
Ekweremadu formally confirmed to his colleagues that the stolen mace had been recovered by the police as demanded by the Senate.
He lamented that despite recovery of the mace “it still beats the imagination of Nigerians and the civilised world that the attackers passed through the several security checks and barriers into the National Assembly and the inner recesses of this chamber and also escaped with the mace into the thin air despite the well-known fortified surroundings of this parliament.”
Vowing that what happened on Wednesday must not be allowed to go unpunished or to be swept under the carpet, Ekweremadu assured the Senate will get to the root of the matter.
He called on the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the State Security Service to “ensure that all those, who plotted, aided, abated, and executed this dastardly affront on our democracy and belittled Nigeria before the international community must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.”
A added “We will be inviting them (Idris and Daura) next week to brief us on the state of the investigations.”
Ekweremadu who read a statement entitled “The affront on our laws and institutions must not go unpunished” said: Distinguished Colleagues, “Yesterday, (Wednesday) this legislative chamber, the nation, and the international community were treated to the theatre of the absurd when armed men invaded the chamber to assault our staff and cart away the mace, the symbol of authority of the Senate. It was a very sad testimony, a derogation, and total smear on our democracy and nation.
“On behalf of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Dr. Bukola Saraki, CON, I want to register deep appreciation to you, my colleagues for your understanding and maturity in the face of flagrant provocation. You showed forth yourselves as patriots and elder statesmen and women. I am indeed proud of you and salute your patriotism.
“I want to also specially appreciate the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, the Management and staff of the National Assembly, especially our chamber staff for their gallantry.
“We appreciate Nigerians, the media, civil society, the political parties, and the international community for the outpour of solidarity and concern.
“Ugly and provocative as the event of Wednesday was, it soothes that the entire nation and the world stood together in total condemnation of the ugly drama, brigandage, and desecration of the National Assembly by those, who hold themselves above the laws and institutions of our land.
“Distinguished colleagues, you would also recall that this hallowed chamber, supported by the House of Representatives, demanded that the Inspector-General of Police recover and return the stolen mace to the Senate within twenty-four hours.
“Concerned colleagues and Nigerians, who wanted to find out if the mace had been found, have inundated me with calls and messages since last night. Let me, therefore, formally confirm to you, my distinguished colleagues, that the mace has been recovered by the police as we demanded here in this hallowed chamber.
“Nevertheless, we believe that there should be consequence for bad behaviour. We swore to uphold the laws of the Federal Republic and the principles of democracy. It still beats the imagination of Nigerians and the civilised world that the attackers passed through the several security checks and barriers into the National Assembly and the inner recesses of this chamber and also escaped with the mace into the thin air despite the well-known fortified surroundings of this parliament.
“Therefore, we hold that it will be a detour to the state of nature where life was lawless and brutish if what happened yesterday is allowed to go unpunished or to be swept under the carpet. It will never happen. We will get to the roots of the matter. We call on the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the State Security Service to ensure that all those, who plotted, aided, abated, and executed this dastardly affront on our democracy and belittled Nigeria before the international community must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. We will be inviting them next week to brief us on the state of the investigations.
“This incident has also brought to the fore the case many of us have always made for a decentralised police system. Ordinarily, a big institution like the National Assembly should have its own police, apart from the Sergeants-at-Arm. However, the security of this parliament is fully outside the control of the National Assembly. Instructively, the same gangterism that was witnessed here Wednesday has been recorded in various State Houses of Assembly.
“It is on this note, distinguished colleagues, that I welcome you back to this Thursday plenary. I want to assure Nigerians that we will never waver in the responsibility they have elected us to shoulder. We will all stand together to defend this institution of the parliament and our democracy. We will never fear to legislate; and we will never legislate out of fear. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday briefed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the forceful removal of the Senate mace by some hoodlums.
He was accompanied to the vice president’s office by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.
Ekweremadu told State House Correspondent that the briefing was aimed at preventing future occurrence of such act in the legislature.
According to him, when such incidents occur it is imperative that the leadership of the National Assembly briefs the Presidency immediately.
He added that since the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was out of the country, he had to brief Osinbajo as President Muhammadu Buhari was attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in the United Kingdom.
“I came to brief the vice president to ensure that there is law and order in the country.
“When there is this type of development it is important that he is briefed at the earliest opportunity.
“The Senate President is out of the country, so it is my responsibility to come and brief the vice president.
“And he has sympathized with us over what happened and he is going to join forces with us to ensure that we get to the root of the matter and make sure this does not happen again,’’ he said.
The invasion of the National Assembly by suspected hoodlums, who forcefully seized the mace is drawing a widespread condenmantion, report TONY AKOWE, JIDE BABALOLA, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU and OKOEKI OZIEGBE.
THE invasion of the Senate by some yet-to-be identified hoodlums, who made away with the mace, was yesterday condemned.
Those who reacted to the raid on the Red Chamber described the act as treasonable and an attempt to subvert a democratic institution. They demanded the arrest and prosecution of the masterminds.
APC: it’s a desecration of the National Assembly
The All Progressives Congress (APC) described the invasion of the Senate by suspected thugs as an attack on democracy and a desecration of the National Assembly.
To the senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, the incident was treasonable and nothing but an attempted coup d etat, an undisguised assault on our democracy and an attempt to intimidate the senate into compromising its independence.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC urged the security agencies to take all necessary steps to recover the stolen mace and ensure that those responsible for the action are brought to book.
The statement reads: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to the invasion of the Nigerian Senate by suspected thugs who disrupted Wednesday’s plenary and made away with the mace.
“The APC hereby condemns this action and views it as an attack on our democracy and a desecration of the hallowed institution of the National Assembly.
“We therefore call on security agencies to take all necessary actions to recover the stolen mace and ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice.”
Similarly, Senator Sani described the invaders and their backers as reactionary forces of evil and darkness.
Sani said: “The armed invasion of the senate chambers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stands condemned. It’s treasonable and nothing but an attempted coup d etat.
“The armed invasion is an open and undisguised assault on our democracy and a desecration of our constitution. The attackers and their open and secret backers represent reactionary forces of evil and darkness.
“The senate will not be intimidated, nor will it compromise its independence. The armed invasion is a dangerous precedent for this and future generations of Nigerians. If this can happen to the Senate, it can happen to the president, the presidency and the judiciary.
“Nigeria is gradually sliding into a totalitarian state. The inferno of violence has moved from the hinterlands to the heights of constitutional authority. The armed invasion is a well-coordinated action aimed at violating and incinerating the parliament. I salute the courage of the Senators who heed to our call to stand firm, stay back and defend democracy.
“We appreciate the solidarity of members of the House of Representatives. We appreciate the courage of staff of the chambers of the Senate who fell victims of the attack.
“We will defend democracy not because it can give you everything but because it can prevent everything taken away from you.
“We have a duty to morally and constitutionally defend and protect the parliament to keep the stream of liberty and the rivers of justice flowing without restraints or diversion or pollution.”
•Sergeant-at-Arms struggling with the invaders for the mace…yesterday.
Atiku
Former Vice President Abubakar Atiku condemned the invasion and the carting away of the Mace – the upper chamber and Senate President’s symbol of authority by suspected hoodlums.
Atiku described the attack as a dangerous precedent and an assault on Nigeria’s democracy by anti-democratic elements, saying: “I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution, but also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy.”
According to him, the timing of the attack could not have come at a worse time, given the tension in the land.
Besides, the former vice president said that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution was unacceptable, evil, and condemnable.
He stressed that it was inconceivable that hoodlums could force their way into the hallowed chamber and take away the mace.
“If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger. Those behind this illegality to avoid creating a monster that could consume them.”
Reminding Nigerians that many people died to bring democracy about, Atiku called for immediate investigation into the incident and the prompt prosecution of the masterminds.
“It is unacceptable and reprehensible to subject the National Assembly to this intimidation and humiliation. This attack by thugs should not go unpunished no matter who is involved”, Atiku said.
Mastermind must be prosecuted
A socio-political group which identified itself as Urhobo Solidarity Union (USU) berated Senator Omo-Agege for allegedly leading hoodlums to the Senate chamber to steal the mace.
It called on the Senate to begin the process for the expulsion and prosecution of the suspended.
In a statement by its National Coordinator John Enitekiru, the USU condemned in strong terms, Omo-Agege’s involvement in the act, which according to it “brought the institution of the Senate into great disrepute and has caused the nation great embarrassment among comity of states.”
The group also described as worrisome, the act of the senator and warned that “if such act is let go unpunished, it could become a very bad model for the coming generation and also set a bad precedence at the Senate which is known to be a gathering of matured, refined and distinguish Nigerians.
“It is on this note that we call on the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to begin the process for Senator Omo-Agege’s expulsion and prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agency.
“As stakeholders with strong concern for the protection of the interest of Urhobo people, Delta Central Senatorial district and the nation at large, we would not fold our arms and watch our elected representative undermine and denigrate democratic institutions, paint the people of Delta State in bad light, all in pursuance of personal interest and self-aggrandizement voyage. Omo-Agege must be punished.”
‘It’s assault on the constitution’
A lawyer and one-time Lagos assemblyman Babatunde Ogala said the invasion was an assault not just on the legislature, but on the constitution.
Ogala described it as sheer anarchy, even as he blamed it on the Senate.
He said: “It is a highly condemnable act of brigandage and assault not just on the legislature but the constitution. It is sheer anarchy.
“But, in so saying, one must note that the Senate set the stage for the madness and anarchy with the suspension of Senator Omo-Agege in flagrant disregard of the Senate Rules and the Orders of Court.
“And why do I say so? The rules of the Senate has expressly provided that once a matter is pending before a court of law, the Senate shall not deliberate on same or do any act that may interfere with the proceedings of the court.”
According to him, the hallowed chamber set the stage for anarchy when it suspended Senator Omo-Agege in disregard to Senate Rules and Orders of Court.
“Senator Omo-Agege had gone to court and obtained an order of court restraining the Senate and its Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further steps on the investigations of his conduct pending the determination of the suit.
“Despite receiving the order of court, the Senate at plenary, rather than stay action, proceeded to condemn the order of the court and abuse the judge, who granted the order.
“It even had the temerity to adopt a motion to write and indeed wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria threatening and asking him to call judges to order.
“As if that was not enough, it still went ahead to invite the senator who when he attended the committee sitting declined to speak and reminded the committee of the order of court and also reminded it of the provision of the Senate rules that prohibits it from deliberating on a matter that’s lis pendis.
“Notwithstanding the order of the court and its rules, the Senate went on to suspend Omo-Agege. Recall that the Federal High Court had earlier delivered judgement in Senator Ali Ndume v NASS and ruled that the Senate or any legislative house had no constitutional powers to suspend an elected member and that same is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.
“The Senate, being aware of its own rules, the judgement in Ali Ndume case and the order in Omo-Agege’s case, still went ahead to purportedly suspend the senator.
“In all, I condemn the act of desecrating the hallowed chambers by Omo-Agege thugs, but I hold the Senate fully responsible for laying the foundation for the desecration and anarchy.”
Knocks for Saraki
Similarly, some of Saraki’s followers on social media blamed the raid on what they called “tyrannical rule of the Eighth Senate by the Senate President.” They accused him of suspending those who had contrary views to his.
One of them, Ajibola Akinyemi said: “Sir, you are the cause of the unrest in the Senate with your indiscriminate suspension of your fellow senators that mostly are not in tune with your opinions. It shouldn’t not be so. Everyone cannot agree with you.”
Francis Osita said: “Repression breeds rebellion whether you like it or not. Senate President (SP) you cannot stop a constituency from representation and not expect this sort of thing. Anyways, I am watching till it gets to my constituency.”
Omasoro Ali said: “The eighth Senate is a centre of tyranny. How can you suspend a senator who has a different opinion from you and your PDP friends? Ovie Omo-Agege is a patriot and we Buharists, are behind him.”
Bishop Monday-Marcus wrote: “Again, in a state of lawlessness, it is unlawful to be law abiding. Your suspension order is provocative and a recipe for lawlessness.”
One @foebz_the_great said: “And I hear you want to run for presidency. If you win, it’s probable that our freedom of speech would be taken away and we would not be able to oppose a government that wants us to remain in cages like animals.”
