Sen MELAYE: Again, IGP Idris shuns Senate

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has again refused to honour an invitation extended to him by the Senate to brief lawmakers over the travails of their colleague, Sen Dino Melaye.

The lawmakers had summoned Idris to appear at plenary last week, but he failed to, on the excuse that he was on an official assignment to Bauchi State with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He had sent a subordinate, a Deputy Inspector- General (DIG) Operations to represent him, but the lawmakers turned back the DIG, and instead slated today (Wednesday) for the IGP to appear himself.

However, Idris also on Wednesday, again failed to appear before the senators at plenary, but instead, again sent the DIG, Joshak Habila, to represent him.

Sen Dino Melaye is currently under arrest at the National Hospital, Abuja due to injuries he sustained while trying to escape from police custody, after he turned himself in, when he was declared wanted. The police boss was expected to appear before the Senate, to brief it on the inhuman treatment of Senator Melaye over a matter that is pending before a law court and killings across the country.

The IGP’s non-appearance created an uneasy calm on the floor of the Senate as it dawned on the lawmakers that the IGP may have again ignored them, and the institution they represent.

Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan moved a motion that the IG of Police be ushered into the chamber. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, who presided, mandated the Clerk to the Senate to usher in the IG.

The Clerk returned two minutes later and reported that the IG was not in the National Assembly. He said an unnamed Deputy Inspector-General of Police was on ground.

At this time, there was an uneasy calm on the floor. Saraki, then called on the Senate committee chairman on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim to brief lawmakers on the whereabouts of the police boss.

Ibrahim, in his explanation, said the IGP has not picked his call since he was mandated to get across to him. He, however, defended the IG and claimed that he was currently in Zamfara State to monitor the state of insecurity in that area.

At this point, Saraki opened the floor for lawmakers to make contributions and decide on the next line of action.

For almost two minutes, no lawmaker volunteered to speak on the issue. Despite Saraki’s repetition, lawmakers didn’t budge.

Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala Ibn N’Allah, finally spoke on the issue. He condemned the action of the IG and called on his colleagues to take a decisive action.

He described the action of the police boss as a threat to democracy. He suggested that the Senate President lead a delegation to President Muhammadu Buhari and register their displeasure.

After N’Allah’s intervention, no other lawmaker volunteered to make further contributions on the issue. Saraki, thereafter, decided to rule on the issue.

In his concluding remarks, Saraki pushed the responsibility to the Senate Leader, Lawan and Police committee chairman, Ibrahim, to meet with the Executive Arm of Government and report the action of the IGP to the President.

Saraki said the IGP has a reputation of not honouring orders. He recalled how the IGP refused to relocate to Benue State, despite a clear directive from Buhari.

He also explained that never in the history of Nigeria’s democracy, has a Police IG declined to honour the invitation of the Senate. Saraki, said the practice is an affront on the National Assembly.

 

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