NASS crisis: Reps insist on I-G appearing in person

Abuja– The House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on Friday insisted that Mr Suleiman Abba, the Inspector General of Police, must appear in person before the committee to explain Thursday’s police action.

The committee had summoned Abba over the takeover of the National Assembly by armed policemen which led to Thursday’s confusion.

The committee declined audience to Mr Sotonye Wakama, a Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations.

Abba had in a letter with reference CB:3380/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL8/806 and addressed to the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Usman Kumo (Gombe –PDP) explained his absence.

The letter reads: “Due to exigency of duty, the Inspector General of Police will not be able to appear before the house.

“Meanwhile, he has directed the deputy inspector general of police, operations to represent him.”

The letter was signed by Mr Austin Iwar, a Principal Staff Officer and Commissioner of Police.

In his reaction, Kumo insisted that Abba should appear in person before the committee on Nov. 26.

He said that Abba’s presence would be required to give explanations to the chaotic situation recorded in the National Assembly on Thursday.

“The constitution empowers the house, through its committees, to summon anybody to appear before it.

“It is in view of this that the committee is fixing this hearing for Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. for the I-G to appear for this interactive, question and answer session,’’ Kumo said. (NAN)

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