Apparently troubled by the ill-treatment of senator representing Kogi-West, Dino Melaye by police operatives in Abuja, the Nigerian senate on Wednesday shuts down plenary session, summons the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to appear at plenary on Thursday to brief lawmakers on Melaye arrest as well as the unabating killings of Nigerians across the country.
Dr Bukola Saraki, will be leading the Senators to visit Melaye at the National Hospital in Abuja to ascertain his condition.
The visit comes after the Senator landed the hospital after he reportedly jumped out of a moving police vehicle.
The lawmaker was rushed to Zankli hospital in Mabushi district of Abuja after jumping off the police vehicle around Area One.
The police vehicle was conveying him to Lokoja, Kogi State where he is expected to be interrogated by the police in connection with the allegation that he armed some thugs and in relation to other criminal activities.
Speaking at today’s plenary session Saraki described police handling of Melaye is a threat to every member of the Nigerian Senate.
He words, “It affects all of us, not only us, but this institution and this democracy and these actions are a threat. The excesses must be contained in the interest of all of us.”
“We are about to start elections and if these are the kind of excesses of those who are meant to be responsible for providing law and order, this is a great concern in this country. And those who are directly responsible need to take up that responsibility.”
This is not what we should be spending our energy on. It is important for the IGP to come & brief us. I have tried so many times to find out what the situation is, & this kind of attitude must stop if we truly want to sustain & create an enabling environment.”
“So, one thing is to ascertain his state of mind concerning the situation and also to find out and also to find a way out quickly, to find a solution to this problem so we can restore sanity.
“We are not talking about the menace, but there is a procedure and a way to handle these things.
Other Senators condemned manhandling of Melaye by police
Here are the views of some of the senators as regards the drama between the Nigerian Police and Senator Dino Melaye.
Sen Shehu Sani
Senator @ShehuSani states his concern about systematic factors in the country and that all should remember there is no permanence in power. “What happened to Senator @dino_melaye is an abuse of power”.
Sen Remi Tinubu
“The people look to the Senate for protection. “The average man needs protection just as we do.”- Senator @oluremitinubu
Senator @oluremitinubu states that she is not in support of what happened to Senator @dino_melaye. “If Senators @dino_melaye and @OvieOmoAgege can be taken away by the police, it destroys the sanctity of this chamber.”
Sen Joshua Lidani
“Senator @dino_melaye is a very vocal person, he is being intimidated and targeted. It is clear that Dino Melaye is subject to inhumane treatment, let us all rise and condemn this act.”- Senator Joshua Lidani
Sen Ubali Shittu
We did not vote this Government to abuse democracy. I condemn shameful act totally invite all those involved to speak to us and this case openly to the public.”- Senator Ubali Shitu
Sen. Isah Misau
“It was only an allegation against Senator @dino_melaye and since the matter is still in court, he should not be forced to go to Kogi.”- Senator @IsahMisau
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