How IGP made caricature of Senate & refused to answer Panel’s question

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday stormed National Assembly with over 150 armed policemen, even as the IG vowed not to respond to the lawmakers question. 

Senator Isah Misau had accused IGP of gross misconduct and corruption allegation before the Senate Panel. 

However, IGP told the ad-hoc committee members  that he won’t answer any question as the matter is before the court.

Speaking further,  the IGP who had ignored the committee invitation claimed that his appearance before the panel borne of his respect for the Red chamber. 

According to him, I am represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria here, that’s Alex Izonyin.

“I will not make any other comment or answer any question in respect to the allegation (by Mr. Misau) and various civil and criminal cases pending in the law court. More especially, when the senator has already been arraigned in court in respect of these matters.”

When the his lawyer was about to speak,  the chairman of the ad-hoc committee,  Senator Francis Alimikhene intercepted his lawyer,  a development which led to shouting match. 

In his presentation before the Panel, Idris said, “will not make any oral comment or answer any question in respect of the allegations in view of the various civil and criminal cases pending in the lawcourts. More especially when the senator has already been arraigned in court in respect of this matter. 

“I decided to appear before this Senate Committee on the allegations out of high respect I have for the Senate and my respect for the rule of law. 

“Furthermore, it is expected that the Senate and the Committee will refrain from making references to the issues as it will be against Order 41 (7) and 53 (5) of the Senate Standing Orders 2 (15) as amended.”

When the lawyer was later allowed to speak he referred the lawmakers to their standing rules that any matter before the court could not be discussed. 

But the chairman of the committee replied the lawyer that the committee has already started the investigation before the IGP dragged the panel to court. 

The lawyer however told the senators response all the allegations had been submitted at the committee secretariat. 

One of the senator,  Obinna Ogba called for the adjournment of the probe to enable the lawmakers to look into the document submitted critically. 

A prayer that was unanimously adopted by the members of the committee. 

Our correspondent observed that in the hearing room alone over thirty policemen were present while up to 120 policemen were station at the strategic places of the National Assembly. 

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