The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abba Suleiman on Friday shunned the invitation of members of the House of Representatives.
The IGP was invited by the lawmakers to come and explained the reason for Thursday’s police invasion of the National Assembly, the Nation reports.
The House Committee on Police ‘invitation was however in defiance of the Senate President, David Mark’s directive that the National Assembly should remain locked until November 25.
Mark’s directive, however, followed the invasion of the National Assembly complex by policemen and the subsequent prevention of Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, from entering the Chamber.
It was gathered that instead of coming in person to honour the lawmaker’s invitation, the IGP sent a letter to the Committee explaining his absence. Abba also reportedly sent his Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), SL Wakama, to represent him.
The letter dated 21st November, 2014 with reference number CB:3380/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL 8/806 and addressed to the Chairman of the Committee reads in parts: “I am directed to inform you that due to exigencies of duty, the IGP will not be able to appear before the House. Meanwhile, he has directed the DIG Operations to represent him.”
The letter was signed by a Principal Staff Officer, Austin Iwar.
It was also learnt that DIG Wakama was accompanied by two senior officers.
The Committee in reaction to the IGP’s behavior said it was unwavering in its decision and stated that it was empowered by the Constitution to invite any individual or organization when necessary in order to assist with its investigations.
It would be recalled that the House of Assembly was blocked by the police on Thursday, November 20, prior to the scheduled plenary on extension of emergency rule in some troubled states to be presided over by the Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.
However, the Presidency on Friday November 21, 2014, also summoned the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to explain the fracas that ensued between lawmakers and police officials at the National Assembly complex on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the IGP had threatened to arrest the House of Representative Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal over the crisis that erupted at the complex on Thursday.
Also the Senate President, senator David Mark has also come out to openly condemn the use of teargas by police on the nation’s lawmakers.
