National Assembly: Security Beefed Up As Legislators Resume

As the National Assembly resumes today, September 29, security agencies have beefed up the security in the legislative complex in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

According to the New Telegraph, at least, three police pickup vans, full of policemen and women, were deployed in the first entrance gate of the building.

The policemen, who were said to have resumed at their new posts as early as 7a.m, reportedly conducted thorough checks on staff, journalists and visitors going into the complex.

A source who works in the National Assembly revealed that the steps were taken to prevent any breakdown in law and order following the widely publicised ongoing travails of the  senate president Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

READ ALSO: So What If Saraki Is Impeached, Read What Unilag Prof Said About Saraki’s Trial

He said: “You know what is happening to the senate president is responsible for this. By tomorrow (today) a lot of people who don’t even have any business coming here (National Assembly) would like be here.

“So, to avoid any state of lawlessness, the security around here needs to be straightened. Some groups may want to come and cause disorder in the name of protest.”

Meanwhile, the chairman, senate ad hoc committee on media and publicity, Senator Dino Melaye dispelled rumours of a likely postponement of the upper chamber’s resumption.

He also dismissed suggestions that there would be a stormy session in the red chamber today adding that the leadership of the senate and all senators were focused on working for the betterment of the country.

In a statement in Abuja, he said: “I want to confirm that the senate will resume tomorrow (today) and that we are set to carry out all our legislative responsibilities. “I also want to use this opportunity to announce the resolve of the Senate to do only those things that will promote the unity, prosperity and wellbeing of the Nigerian people.”

However, there are indications that President Buhari has moved to calm the tension going on in the All Progressives Congress over the ordeal of Saraki  as he recently held a secret meeting with former president Olusegun Obasanjo in New York on the issue.

Since the beginning of his trial, Saraki has had to endure several forms of humiliation as he was reportedly stoned during his first Eid-el-Kabir prayer as the Senate president, while some groups have also called for his resignation following the case he has with the CCT.

READ ALSO: Saraki: Buhari Is Yet To Start Fighting Corruption- Braithwaite

There are however unconfirmed reports that the APC may have concluded plans to replace the embattled senate president, even as Saraki recently said his appearance before the Code of Conduct Tribunal has further demonstrated his believe in the rule of law and respect for the judiciary.

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