Update: 3 Arrested Over Senate Stollen Mace As House Reconvenes
Following the pandemonium generated by the invasion of seven armed men led by Suspended Senator Omo Agege into the National Assembly.
Who is Reportedly backed by the executive in an attempt to overthrow the leadership of both chambers.
The mace of the Senate was stolen and two people injured and taken to the hospital for medical services. Three of the culprits have been apprehended.
According to Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, in a statement sent to nigeriancablenewsonline.com;
“the National Assembly got hint few days ago that this was being planned for yesterday and measures were put in place. The chambers being an hallowed ground where weapons are not allowed, the thugs were able to over power the Sargent At Arms with their weapons.”
“The Senate has since gone back to sitting which can be watched live. This is another failed attempt to cripple the democracy.”
“The Senate has resumed plenary about 15 minutes ago after coming out of an executive (closed door) session where the earlier incident of forceful removal of the mace was deliberated upon.”
“The session is holding with the mace, the official symbol of authority firmly in place, and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, presiding.”
“The Senate also decided that it will get to the roots of this sad assault on democracy and an obvious act of treason which the seizure of the mace by some armed hodlums represents.”
“The Senate has mandated the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Kpotum Ibrahim and Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Mallam Lawan Daura, to retrieve the mace stolen by the hoodlums within 24 hours.”
“At the moment, some House of Representives members led by Deputy Speaker. Hon. Yusuf Lasun, are in the Senate chambers in solidarity visits. The session is presently live on NTA Channel 10.”
He concluded by quoting the deputy senate president as saying;
“We are determined to conclude all matters slated on the Order Paper for today, even if it means us sitting until 6pm”.
