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Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday expressed dismay over the resolve of Abubakar Idris, Inspector General of Police to embark on annual leave while the country’s security is under perpetual threat.
Douye Diri, chairman, Adhoc Committee investigating the ‘purported harassment, intimidation and threat to life’ leveled against the IGP by DCP Abduyari Lafia, via a petition sent to the House.
Diri who frowned at the non-appearance of the IGP after two invitations sent to him, lamented that “it is worrisome for the President to grant three weeks leave to the IGP at this time that the country is experiencing crisis and the security situation is becoming very bad.”
According to Idris’ Legal Adviser, the IGP had embarked on three weeks leave following the approval President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also noted that the petition being investigated by the Adhoc Committee is already before a Court of competence, hence any presentation by the IGP will be subjudice.
He also presented the Court’s summon from the IGP and the petitioners.
While reacting to his submission, members of the Adhoc Committee, who expressed disgust over the IGP’s disposition to the issue of security of lives and property.
The lawmakers resolve to mandate the IGP to appear in person, on a day to be communicated.
The Committee also noted that the Court’s summon will enable the Committee to decide whether it could proceed with the investigate hearing.
While ruling, Diri noted that the Court proceedings can not impede the issue being investigated, if the Speaker deems it fit, as provided by the Standing Rules of the House.
According to him, the “matter that the Committee is investigating has to do with corruption, harassment and threat to life, between a junior police officer and a senior police officer which when brought to the public domain is not good for the image, credibility and the integrity of the police institution.”
To this end, the Adhoc Committee also invited Mike Okiro, chairman of the Police Service Commission who via a letter sent to the Committee argued that the issue is before the Court.
While speaking on his letter, Diri said: “most times when government agencies and institutions are invited, they look at the Committee of the National Assembly with disdain, and when a vote of no confidence is passed on them, they complain.”
He however urged the Police to stop treating the Committee with disdain, noting that the sensitive matter before the Committee could drag the Police institution into public disrepute.
KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja
