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IG Idris Afraid of Own Shadow – Senate

Published

7 years ago

May 11, 2018

Eric

The Senate on Thursday insisted that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris was not fit to hold any public office, saying the police boss was clutching at straws with his excuses for ignoring summons by the lawmakers.

The senators also said that the IG’s refusal to honour their invitations was an indication that Idris was afraid of his own shadow.

These points were contained in a statement issued by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Aliyu-Abdullahi, in Abuja on Thursday.

The Senate had on Wednesday declared Idris unfit to hold any public office within and outside Nigeria, describing him as an enemy of democracy for his alleged refusal to honour the Senate summons thrice.

Idris had been summoned to address the Senate on the alleged inhuman treatment of Melaye during his arrest and detention by the police over alleged gun-running; and the spate of killings by armed herdsmen and militias across the country.

While Idris had sent the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), Mr. Joshak Habila, to represent him in the previous times, he sent no representation for his appearance on Wednesday.

The IG had responded through a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, saying he owed the Senate no apologies.

Idris said he did not have to appear before the lawmakers, noting that a senior police officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector-General or an Assistant Inspector-General could act on his behalf in an official capacity at any function. This, he added, was in consonance with Sections 7(1),312(1), 313(2) of the Police Act.

The police described the Senate resolution against Idris as “a deliberate blackmail, witch-hunt with mischievous motives to hand-twist (sic) the IG to pervert the end of justice” in a felonious and serious offence of criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms for which Melaye was allegedly indicted by two principal suspects, Kabiru Seidu aka Osama and Nuhu Salisu aka Small.

The Senate however dismissed the claims by the police.

“The Senate today (Thursday) stated that the IG, Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, should stop clutching at straws on why he refused to comply with the invitation of the Senate for him to come and explain what the police are doing on the spate of killings across the country,” the statement said.

Sabi-Abdullahi stated that the crux of the matter that informed the invitation was “the ceaseless spate of killings across the country and that matters concerning the arrest of Senator Melaye have in fact been overtaken by events.”

The statement added, “We noted the response issued by one Jimoh Moshood on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, following yesterday’s (Wednesday) resolution of the legislative chamber on the continued refusal of the IG to honour the invitation for him to come and explain what the police are doing to halt the spate of killings across the country.

“Let it be known that the IG, by trying to reduce the reason for his invitation by the Senate to the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye, is simply clutching at straws. The issue of Senator Melaye’s arrest has been overtaken by events. The courts are already handling the related cases. Our main concern is the security crisis across the country where people are being killed in scores on a daily basis.

“The primary responsibility of the police is the maintenance of law and order as well as protection of lives and property. If there is a breach along the line of this responsibility, we do not see why the IG should feel he cannot be invited to offer an explanation to the arm of government which is constitutionally empowered to ask questions and investigate the breach.”

According to the Senate, no responsible body of representatives of the people will ignore sad reports given by members on the floor of the Senate.

“For instance on April 24, two Catholic priests and 17 members of their congregation were murdered as reported by Senator George Akume. Also, senators Kabir Marafa and Tijani Kaura had earlier informed the Senate of the killing of 35 people in the Maradun Local Government Area; over 100 people killed in Anka and 36 people killed in Birani Village in the Zurmi LGA, all in Zamfara State.

“Even as of now, reports reaching us show that recent killings have occurred in Kaduna, Taraba and Benue states. These were just few instances of daily occurrences of gruesome murder of our constituents as raised by senators,” the statement said.

It added, “The IGP definitely should not have any problem with an invitation for him to tell the Senate what he and his men are doing to stop the killings as well as their challenges and needs in doing this.

“Mr. Idris should not seek to confuse issues or play on the intelligence of members of the public with his diversionary statement or claims. The resolution of the Senate leading to his invitation is clear and we invite our people to check. It is for the purpose of having a transparent and open hearing that we fixed his appearance for Wednesday when our plenary sitting enjoys live coverage on national television.

“In one instance in the past, Mr. Idris had gone to court in order to evade honouring the invitation of the Senate and the court headed by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed of the FCT High Court on April 10, 2018, told him in clear terms that his suit lacked merit, as Sections 88 and 89 of the constitution empower the lawmakers to carry out investigations on issues of public interest.

“Any public officer who plans to place himself above an arm of government obviously is not fit to remain in office. Mr. Idris is only afraid of his own shadow by alleging witch-hunt when he is called to account on the performance of the duties of his organisation.”

The Punch

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Nwaebonyi’s Actions, a Slap on His Constituents – Former Presidential Aspirant, Oba

Published

24 seconds ago

March 26, 2025

Eric

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, Mrs Tari Oliver Oba, has carpeted the lawmarker, representing Ebonyi North Central District in the upper chamber, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, for his insulting remarks at a former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili during a senate hearing.

Mrs Oba, who is an alumna of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), founded by Mrs Ezekwesili, frowned at the senator’s outburst and use of foul languages to describe the former Minister, who was known as madam due process during her time, noting that the senator’s verbal attacks “undermines the values of respect, dignity, and open dialogue that we hold dear as a nation.”

Before is Mrs Oba’s detailed statement

I am appalled by Senator Nwebonyi’s unacceptable behavior towards Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and the founder of The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), at the just concluded Senate committee hearing on the allegation of sexual harassment raised by Sen Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions, caught on camera, were a blatant display of bullying, intimidation, and silencing of Dr. Ezekwesili.

This behavior is not only a personal attack on Dr. Ezekwesili but also undermines the values of respect, dignity, and open dialogue that we hold dear as a nation. As citizens, we expect our public officials to maintain decorum and respect, especially when interacting with others.

Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions indicate a prioritization of scoring cheap political points over serving the people. Dr. Ezekwesili, like any other citizen, deserves dignity and respect. I urge Senator Nwebonyi to take a step back, reflect on his behavior, and apologize for his actions.

We need leaders who engage in constructive dialogue, not those who resort to insults and personal attacks when they’re unable to match intelligence and constructive debates. Let’s demand more from our public officials. They should be held accountable for their actions and inactions, and maintain a level of civility and respect, even in the face of disagreement.

Senator Nwebonyi’s actions are a slap in the face to those he represents, and it’s crucial he takes responsibility. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this trend of abusing women. No country can progress while disrespecting its women.

Featured

Samsung’s CEO, Han Jong-Hee, Dies at 63

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Eric

The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-Hee, has died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was aged 63.

A spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed this.

Han, who oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea’s biggest company in 2022.

He had joined the tech giant in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before he started to run Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.

In a tribute to the deceased, Samsung said Han dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.

The company said, Han as the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, contributed to its growth amid challenging business environment.

Featured

HURIWA Tasks Fagbemi, Onanuga to Prove Fubara’s Alleged Link to Militants

Published

2 days ago

March 25, 2025

Eric

The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has criticised the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for alleging that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is connected to militant activities in the Niger Delta.

The group described the claims as baseless and lacking credible evidence.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, addressed remarks made by Fagbemi last week, accusing Fubara of “tele-guiding militants” to sabotage oil installations.

Onanuga, in a separate opinion piece, supported the Federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing intelligence reports suggesting militant threats linked to the governor.

“These are serious allegations that can destabilise not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,” Onwubiko said, faulting the officials’ reliance on unverified intelligence.

HURIWA highlighted Governor Fubara’s denial of the allegations in an official statement earlier on Monday, where he rejected any ties to militant groups and labeled viral videos alleging explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State as “fake and malicious.”

The group praised Fubara’s call for security agencies to investigate the videos’ origins and prosecute those responsible.
“Governor Fubara’s insistence on peace and constitutional governance has been clear in all his public engagements. It is disheartening to see such character assassination being perpetuated from the highest levels of the federal government,” Onwubiko stated.

The association questioned why federal authorities have not presented tangible evidence if it exists, arguing, “As far as we are concerned, the dissemination of these unproven claims is not just unprofessional but a dangerous precedent in the democratic space.”

HURIWA also challenged Fagbemi and Onanuga to avoid “pettiness and rumour mongering,” urging them to base their statements on facts.

“It is disgraceful that at a time when Nigerians are yearning for stability and good governance, top officials of the federal government are busy engaging in baseless accusations, further tarnishing Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement added.

The group further criticized the state of emergency in Rivers State as “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated,” asserting that no evidence of war or a breakdown of law and order, as required by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, has been shown. “The AGF and other federal agents must be reminded that the Supreme Court judgment, which is now being used to justify executive overreach in Rivers State, does not license rumour-based governance,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA urged Fubara to pursue legal action against those making the claims, stating, “even if the judiciary is seen by some as compromised, it is essential to set the record straight by taking advantage of available legal avenues.”

The association called on security agencies to launch a transparent forensic investigation into the allegations and incidents in Ogoniland and other parts of Rivers State, insisting it must remain free of political interference. “The dangerous game of labeling peaceful citizens as militants without evidence is not only reckless but risks plunging Rivers State into avoidable chaos. Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the group concluded.