Senate probes alleged DSS’ invasion of Ekiti House

CNNP, NBA, TUC differ

The Senate has ordered full investigation into the alleged invasion ‎of Ekiti State House of Assembly by officials of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Adopting a motion sponsored to that effect by its Deputy Minority Whip and former deputy governor of the state, Abiodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South), the upper chamber of the National Assembly directed its committee on National Security and Intelligence, “to conduct an investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the action of the DSS and report back to the Senate within two weeks.”

The Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, in unambiguous terms, urged his colleagues to rise against the action of the DSS, pointing out that “what is wrong should be condemned.”

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his remarks after the adoption of the motion after an uproarious session, ‎urged his colleagues not to pre-empt the outcome of the probe.

He declared that the Senate would not sit back and allow acts capable of truncating the nation’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the state chapters of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have taken different positions on the alleged invasion that reportedly led to the arrest of four lawmakers and some commissioners.

While CNNP sees the move as false alarm being raised by politicians to, perhaps, score some cheap political points, the NBA and the organised labour, on the other hand, differed, saying the action smacked of “dictatorship.”

In a statement issued at the end of its monthly meeting, its chairman, Tunji Ogunlola, said the conference was pleased with the professional conduct of the security agencies, stressing that the level-headedness and transparent conduct of their officers had greatly helped in maintaining peace and order in the state.