We must take very drastic action, senators vow as IG ignores third summons

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has, for
the third time, failed to appear before the Senate. It was the
third invitation within one month.

Idris had been summoned to address the Senate on the alleged
inhuman treatment of Senator Dino Melaye during his arrest and
detention by the police over alleged gun-running; and the spate of
killings by armed herdsmen and militias across the country.

While the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Mr.
Joshak Habila, had been sent to represent the police boss the
previous times, there was no representation on Wednesday
(today).

The Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who said efforts by
him to reach out to the IG in two days failed, described the
non-appearance as “unusual and unfortunate.”

Also, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha called for a closed session for
the lawmakers to determine the action to be taken by the Senate
against the IG.

“We need to take a very drastic action. We cannot take this
embarrassment any longer. This is a national disgrace,” he
said.

Similarly, Senator Isa Misau pointed out that a senator is
superior to the IG by the provisions of the Constitution and could
be invited by any of the lawmakers.

He also noted that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution
empowers the legislature to summon the Police boss.

According to him, the development is embarrassing to the country
and also to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Commenting, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Nigeria’s democracy
was dying in bits and that the IG’s non-appearance was an abuse of
government power.

The Senate has now entered a closed-door session.

Details later…

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has, for
the third time, failed to appear before the Senate. It was the
third invitation within one month.

Idris had been summoned to address the Senate on the alleged
inhuman treatment of Senator Dino Melaye during his arrest and
detention by the police over alleged gun-running; and the spate of
killings by armed herdsmen and militias across the country.

While the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Mr.
Joshak Habila, had been sent to represent the police boss the
previous times, there was no representation on Wednesday
(today).

The Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who said efforts by
him to reach out to the IG in two days failed, described the
non-appearance as “unusual and unfortunate.”

Also, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha called for a closed session for
the lawmakers to determine the action to be taken by the Senate
against the IG.

“We need to take a very drastic action. We cannot take this
embarrassment any longer. This is a national disgrace,” he
said.

Similarly, Senator Isa Misau pointed out that a senator is
superior to the IG by the provisions of the Constitution and could
be invited by any of the lawmakers.

He also noted that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution
empowers the legislature to summon the Police boss.

According to him, the development is embarrassing to the country
and also to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Commenting, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said Nigeria’s democracy
was dying in bits and that the IG’s non-appearance was an abuse of
government power.

The Senate has now entered a closed-door session.

Details later…