You may have to appear before us, Reps tell IGP

The squabble between the National Assembly and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is far from over, as the House of Representatives has threatened to summon the IGP over detention of a lawmaker in Niger State.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives threatened to summon the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, if one of its members, Abubakar Lado, is not released from the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad by midnight on Wednesday.

Considering a motion of urgent national importance, lawmakers described the arrest and detention of Lado as illegal. A member, Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu State) moved the motion on the arrest of Lado who represents Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency of Niger State.

He informed the House that Lado had been in detention for three days over issues related to the All Progressives Congress’ primaries in Niger.

“The House is aware that the invitation of Lado was not done through due process and therefore breaches the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act which requires notification of presiding officer before any member is invited or arrested,” said, describing the arrest as unconstitutional.

The lawmakers condemned the action of the police and demanded Lado be released. Should the police fail to free him, the lawmakers said they would summon the IGP to appear before the House.

A delegation, to be led by the House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, is also to meet with the police chief on the matter.

Meanwhile, the speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, has warned against further attempts to frustrate the amendment of the Electoral Act which seeks to entrench the use of the smart card reader and the electronic transfer of results into the Act.

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