Senate summons IGP over Benue killings

The Senate on Wednesday, summoned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to appear before its Senate committees on Police Affairs and National Intelligence, following the former’s failure to implement the resolution of the Red Chamber.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, while making the pronouncement, said the IGP must appear before the joint committee on Thursday. He said the issue will not be swept under the carpet.

Read also: Court says EFCC has no right to probe states’ finances

The IGP is being summoned to explain why he refused to implement a resolution that perpetuators of the massacre in Benue State were yet to be arrested.

The Senate a fortnight ago, gave marching orders to the IGP to, within two weeks, arrest these perpetrators. The ultimatum expired on Tuesday and no arrest has been made.

At the expiration of the ultimatum on Tuesday, the IGP was yet to announce the arrest of any culprits.

Lidani in his remarks, said: “Mr. President, you will recall that this Senate passed a resolution when it was considering the report of the ad hoc committee on security which among other things, visited Benue State regarding the killings that took place on or about 1st January 2018.

“The Senate clearly resolved that the Inspector-General of Police be given two weeks to which he should identify and arrest all those who perpetrated the killings in Benue.

“This resolution was passed and was transmitted to the IGP, but to the best of my knowledge, no arrest has been made and no information has been brought to the Senate as regards the resolution.

“I therefore would like the Senate President in line with this resolution to compel the IGP to appear before the senate to explain why he has not complied with the resolution of the Senate.”

Reacting, Saraki noted: “I Remember very clearly when we passed the ultimatum and it was of great concern by some of us that such a resolution of this chamber must be taken seriously. I think it goes beyond the two-week ultimatum. I think the integrity of the institution must be taken seriously.

“I think the senate committees on police and intelligence should summon the IG to come before you by tomorrow (Thursday) to make an explanation on where we are on this two-week ultimatum. This committee should report to us by Tuesday on where we are.

“We must make it clear to the security agencies that those kind of ultimatums cannot be taken lightly. If by Tuesday we are not happy with their report, we can take a decision to summon the IG.

“If they think we are just going to sweep this thing under the carpet, the answer is definitely no. We are not going to stop until people are made accounted. Like President Buhari said in his letter, he has told the IG to ensure speedy prosecution and we are not seeing that. The IG knows that he needs to take this seriously.”

By Ehisuan Odia…

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now