Again, IGP Idris refuses to appear before the Senate

Chidi Samuel|

For the third time in as many weeks, Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), on Wednesday failed to appear before the Senate.

The IGP was expected to appear before members of the upper legislative chambers to answer questions on the killings across the country and treatment of Senator Dino Melaye.

Idris had on two different dates failed to appear before the Senate.

Following his absence on Wednesday, Senate President Bukola Saraki said that lawmakers will have to determine the next line of action.

Saraki said, “I have just been informed that the inspector-general of police is not here or anybody in his team so I think we need to decide on the next line of action.”

Ahmed Lawan, Senate leader, and one of the Senators mandated last week to reach the IGP, said he had been unable to reach him in the last two days.

See also  Trump sanctions International Criminal Court, calls it 'illegitimate'

Lawan told his colleagues, “For the last two days, we have tried to reach the IGP to inform him that he should appear today. Personally, I made attempts to call his line and sent text messages. Clearly, he is not here.”

“I think this is very unusual and unfortunate. I feel that a public officer should do what is in the interest of the public. Where any public officer feels he cannot, then there is no need for him to continue to occupy that kind of office.

“This institution is at a crossroad on this. A decision has to be taken. But in a situation where there is consistent non-appearance by the IG. I don’t think we would make further sense to extend invitation.”

Emmanuel Bwacha,  the senator representing Taraba south, who urged the lawmakers to move into a closed door session stated that it is unacceptable for IGP to refuse to appear before the Senate.

See also  Reps proposes creation of 31 more states [FULL LIST]

He said, “This is quite a very sad moment for Nigeria, not for the parliament but for our democracy. Let me share or inform the Senate – I had the privilege or the grace to chair the House committee on police affairs in the fifth national assembly and I cannot imagine in my wildest imagination that such a thing could happen to the country’s highest lawmaking body.”

“It is sad, it is inexcusable, unacceptable, it is condemnable and it calls for immediate action. We need to take a very serious action on the way forward. I suggest Mr president let us have a closed-session for a very serious consideration on this matter. This is a national disgrace.”

The Senate subsequently went into a closed-door session following Bwacha’s suggestion.