Police offer Statement Explaining why Tambuwal was Prevented from Entering National Assembly
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, was today prevented by Police officers from entering into the National Assembly and presiding over the session scheduled for Thursday.
The Public Relations Officer of the force,Emmanuel Ojukwu, revealed their reason for the action, saying the police received an intelligence report that “thugs and hoodlums” were planning to invade the National Assembly.
“Following an intelligence report of a likely invasion of the House of Representatives by hoodlums and thugs, the Nigeria Police Force promptly deployed its personnel to the premises to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Consequently, the Police condoned the area and began screening of all members and visitors alike.
“In the course of this lawful exercise, Alh. Aminu Tambuwal CFR, arrived the venue with a motley crowd, who broke the cordon, assaulted the Police and evaded due process and the Police had the duty to restore order and normalcy, using lawful means
“The IGP seizes this medium to warn all political actors and their followers to respect constituted authority and due process and to desist from the use of thugs to pursue their agenda.
“The Nigeria Police shall continually apply all lawful means to prevent a breakdown of law and order in all segments of the society and shall apply the full weight of the law on any political actor who violates the peace and security of the nation.”
According to reports however, the policemen deployed to the National Assembly fired canisters of tear-gas in the direction of Tambuwal as he was passing through the reception entrance.
The Senate President, David Mark, who later showed up to assess the situation and offer his support to Tambuwal, then ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, to appear before the Senate to explain the violence.
