Sight of strange faces stirs apprehension in National Assembly

Lawan raises constitution review panel, faults calls for regionalism

Distressing security concerns have enveloped the National Assembly, following the presence of strange and suspicious persons, thus raising fears of possible attack. Signals from security authorities indicate that in the last few days, the entire institution had been flooded with strange persons dressed in funny attire.

Confirming the apprehension, Director, Public Affairs, Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Yahaya Dan-Zaria, hinted that the ugly development was putting all on the edge.He, however, added that steps were being taken to remedy the situation.

Also, a top-ranking official of the National Assembly who voiced out his reservations yesterday in Abuja, said: “Yes! We have this dangerous intelligence reports that the National Assembly may be a victim of a terrorist attacks and we are not joking with it. Several steps are being taken but many stakeholders are not showing the needed co-operation. The way strange and very suspicious looking persons throng the National Assembly complex in recent times is worrisome.

“The situation has overstretched security architecture in the Assembly. Many of them, if confronted at the gates, are quick to resort to claims of being constituents of one lawmaker or the other.” To address the disturbing situation, a security sub committee set up by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Ataba Sani Omolori, had recommended that “an arms bearing elite force be established for the National Assembly.”

Before the end of 2019, a 12-member ad hoc committee was set up to work out some remedial measures for the National Assembly. Headed by the Sergeant-at-arms, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Danwalis (rtd), the panel recommended a series of measures which must be taken.

However, it was learnt that key aspects of the recommendation were yet to be addressed.Besides, Deputy President Ovie Omo-Agege yesterday took oath as chairman of the Constitution Review Committee alongside 57 others as members when they were inaugurated by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The panel was constituted last Thursday by Lawan. In his address, the Senate President urged the Committee to conduct the amendment on a “fast lane” consistent with the belief of the ninth Senate in the handling of legislative bills.

Also yesterday, Lawan told those calling for regionalism to shelve the idea, saying it would not help the country.The counsel was contained in his comments at the end of the valedictory session in honour of the late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogwu in Abuja.