NASS Siege: Presidency backs Police IG , says he carried out his constitutional functions

                                       Tambuwal climbing over

THE Presidency Thursday backed the Inspector – General of Police, Suleiman Abba who ordered  heavily armed security operatives to block the National Assembly Complex where Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and other lawmakers were prevented from gaining access to the House to preside over the deliberation on the extension of emergency rule in the North-East.

According to the Presidency, the Inspector- General of Police was not only carrying out his constitutional functions in his capacity as the number one police officer, but also carried out the assignment to protect lives and property, just as it described Thursday’s incident as unfortunate.

Addressing Journalists Thursday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe who noted that Suleiman Abba never invaded the National Assembly, but barricaded it said,  “Assumption (on whether the police boss was acting on instruction from the President) should stop. The IGP is a very senior officer of the government and his duties are to enforce the law.

“He doesn’t need to get the villa to enforce the law. He is not a house boy. Though he works under the government but he is expected to defend the law. IGP has the duty to enforce the law. He acted in the discharge of his duty.  The IGP didn’t invade the assembly. It is wrong to assume that.”

” The whole scenario at the National Assembly today as we witnessed is rather unfortunate. We wish that at all times; national interest should supersede all other interests including personal and political interests.

“From Government perspective, the overriding concern today is the issue of insurgency which necessitated the request by Mr President that the National Assembly considers an extension of the State of Emergency to give the Security forces the needed legal framework and space for a successful prosecution of the war against Boko Haram terrorists.

“It is our hope that the Honorable members of the House of Representatives will use the period of adjournment to resolve all matters so that they can resume to deliberate and act on issues of National importance.”

 vanguard