Get Guardian on GoogleA civil society group has raised concerns about security at the National Assembly after the office of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan was unsealed on Tuesday.
National Integrity Watch said video footage shows the Deputy Director of the Sergeant‑at‑Arms, Alabi Adedeji, removing a red seal from the senator’s office door early in the day, after which a group of individuals reportedly entered the National Assembly complex.
“The office was unsealed early this morning, and she brought thugs to invade NASS this afternoon,” said the group’s National Convener, Dr. John Samuel. He also noted that mobile toiletries were brought into the premises, which he said was not in accordance with existing security procedures.
Samuel said the individuals, who the group alleges came from Delta and Borno states, were involved in acts that disrupted normal operations at the National Assembly. “The legislature is bigger than any individual,” he said, urging authorities to ensure the safety of National Assembly workers and members of the public.
National Integrity Watch called on the Nigeria Police Force to intervene and secure the premises. “Holding public office is a privilege, not a license to intimidate or breach the rules of the National Assembly,” Samuel added.
As of Tuesday evening, there were no official statements from the National Assembly or the senator’s office regarding the incident.
