Inside story of how Sen Misau, IGP Idris face off led to closure of Nat’l Assembly police station

It is no longer news that the police station, located in the premises of the National Assembly, has been shut down on the orders of the leadership of the National Assembly.

Sources familiar with the development, have told Ripples Nigeria that the face-off between Senator Isah Hamman Misau and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, is responsible for the closure.

According to the sources, trouble started when the IGP, without formally informing the Sergeant-at-Arm of the National Assembly and the the Senate President, who doubles as chairman of the National Assembly, redeployed the Senate Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station.

The redeployed DPO, it was learnt, enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with Senator Misau. Worried that the DPO was feeding Misau with the goings on in the Force, the IGP allegedly pulled him out.

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A new DPO was then deployed, who immediately resumed duties. Unlike the usual practice, the Sergeant-at-Arm and Saraki, have refused to officially meet the DPO to brief them on his operational blueprint.

The station was sealed off, and the newly deployed DPO, and other staff within ordered to leave the premises of the National Assembly.

Frustrated over the development, the IGP, Idris, has formally written to the leadership of the National Assembly. In a letter, entitled, “Re: Sealing and closure of Nigeria Police National Assembly Division”, the IGP said the closure is an act of criminality, and unacceptable

According to his letter, “Pursuant to this, on September 17, 2017, I directed the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command in whose jurisdiction the National Assembly is domiciled to meet with the said M.A. Omolori – Clerk of the National Assembly and ascertain the circumstances that led to what is manifestly an unlawful action. Regrettably, this entreaty was bluntly rebuffed.

“No reason(s) prior to and after the closure has been formally conveyed to any formation of the Nigeria Police or to the Office of the Inspector General of Police in this regard even as at the time of this correspondence…”

The IGP contended that “The implications of this action in the light of current agitations now emanating from different parts of the country negatively impact directly on the security of the National Assembly Complex, the numerous members and staff of parliament domiciled therein as well as members of the general public; an outcome, which may no doubt escalate to a serious challenge to National Security”.

The leadership of the National Assembly, as at the time of filing in this report, was yet to respond to the IGP’s letter.

However, sources say the authorities of the National Assembly are unmoved by the IGP that the closure of the police station may have a negative impact on the security of the staff of the complex.

A senior official said, “That is cheap blackmail, it holds no water. We have divisions of other security agencies here, like the DSS and Civil Defence, so what is he talking about.

Meanwhile, the IGP is expected to face two committees of the Senate this week, to respond to allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office, issues raised by Sen Misau.

By Ehisuan Odia…

 

 

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