“You’re Clutching On Straws” …Senate Replies IG Idris

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The Senate yesterday (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.