The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, has, for the third time, failed to appear before the Senate. It is the third invitation within on
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, has, for the third time, failed to appear before the Senate. It is 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 today.
The Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who said efforts by him to reach out to the IGP 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 IGP.
“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.
And so rising from its closed door session, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said lawmakers have revolved to declare the IG persona non grata for refusing to appear before it as summoned, stressing that he is not fit to hold any public office in Nigeria or any other country. Saraki recalled that a court, which the Police boss approached over his earlier invitation by the Senate, ruled that the lawmakers had the powers to summon him or any other public officer. The Senate President said the lawmakers also resolved that the leadership of the chamber would make further considerations on the matter.
