Thursday, November 27, 2014

Big hole waiting to swallow IGP as he refuses to recognise Tambuwal as speaker


IGP refuses to recognise Tambuwal as speakerJust as Nigerians are accusing the police and DSS of partisan in politics, instead of maintaining neutrality, the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, gave a noisy fart yesterday. I have a sinking feeling, in the pit of my stomach, for our democracy.
Police in politics; a messy deal. But is it possible to remain neutral where the piper is beating the drum? Abba must dance. It's a dicey situation for him. Please cut him some slacks!

I understand investigations into last Thursday’s police invasion of the National Assembly and lawmakers jumping like monkeys over fences and gates, ended abruptly as Abba refuses to recognise Aminu Tambuwal as the speaker of the House of Representatives.
Rather, the IG accused Tambuwal of bringing thugs into the National Assembly.
He also alleged that policemen on duty were beaten and disobeyed by the thugs imported by the Speaker. But the members of the House Committee on Police Affairs protested and insisted that the IG must accord the speaker his due respect and honour.
Trouble started when Abba, who appeared before the committee to explain why the police condoned off the National Assembly and prevented lawmakers from accessing the chambers, preferred to refer to the speaker as “Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal,” insisting that the issue was before the court, and as such, he will not comment on it.
The lawmakers protested vehemently. Hon. Hakeem Muniru (APC Lagos) demanded that “the IGP must retract his statement calling the speaker; ‘Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal’ or I take my leave as I would deem this sitting as an illegal one. Because I can’t participate in a hearing where the office of the speaker through whose authority we are having this meeting is not even recognised by an appointee of the executive.”
Following protest from members of the committee to what they termed disrespect for the person and office of speaker, chairman of the committee, Hon. Usman Kumo (PDP, Gombe) sought a clear declaration from the police boss.
Kumo said: “I believe the IG does not mean he did not recognise the institution of National Assembly. Mr. IG, simple question that triggered this hullabaloo is about the statement that is perceived by members which you can correct or which you can assert, whether the speaker is Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as it is today or not, simple, finish.”
Responding, the IG said: “Mr. Chairman and esteemed members of this committee, you know too well matters before the courts are not to be debated. I believe it will be subjudice for me to comment on the matter.”
I tell you my people, our IGP is digging a big hole. He'll fall into it if he doesn’t take time. Our political circle is a vicious one. A recycling circle. Abba will meet these same lawmakers up there...or down somewhere. Abba, trend softly...

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